You bring up a lot of good points I had not considered and I like the product recommendations — anti-slip strips, carpeted stairs and more.. Santiago – thank you so much. About half of the homes he visits have a pet, ⦠We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. She also graduated from Florida International University with a BS in Occupational Therapy. Both are safe. Rather than take that risk, choose a low-pile carpet if you decide that harder flooring isnât for you. Cork flooring is another good choice for seniors. At the end of the day itâs your house, and you have the right to age in place in the way you feel the most ⦠Rape was the second-most reported crime in the safest cities, making up 40% of all violent crime. And, if you do fall, you are much more likely to be seriously injured, especially if you are older. It gets very slippery and the surface is hard, so if you do fall, you are more likely to hurt yourself (either on the floor or on the toilet or something else). My last choice for kitchens among older adults is tile floors. As seniors age, oftentimes their mobility becomes compromised. This could be due to a number of issues such as…. They also make the steps much quieter. And, importantly, they are super soft on your feet, so it makes standing, cooking and cleaning much easier as your feet and back don’t get as tired. Cork tends to have a narrow range of colors (i.e. But perhaps due to frequent falls or other issues, carpeting becomes a necessity so how to choose a carpet that meets these parameters? Furthermore, they require much more maintenance – both in cleaning and in needing to reseal the floors. And, there is something comforting about this if you wake up in the middle of the night and need to use the bathroom (and of course it’s quieter). Many customers have had issues because their cleaning person did not know how to properly clean these floors. Her expertise in home assessments and home safety issues for seniors will help you to make the best possible decisions for your elderly parent or senior that you are caring for. They also feel really nice and comfortable on your feet. These substances outgas toxic chemicals such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and formaldehyde into your homeâs air. Much easier to run a vacuum or. However, people with conditions like Parkinson's may want to look for smooth soles that will accommodate a shuffling gait. High density, closed-cell and environmentally friendly foam rubber help protect seniors from falling onto a hard surface that doesn't give, potentially reducing the risk of broken bones. These types of carpets are easier to maintain. The information on this website is available AS IS, subject to our Disclaimer and Terms Of Use and Privacy Policy. Do you think I could put that product over the ugly 12×12 tile in my family room? This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. Learn more. These are luxury vinyl planks that look like hardwood flooring, but they are waterproof. Otherwise, you can install a reducer to avoid a tripping hazard. saddles or thresholds) as these can become tripping hazards. We all have seasonal allergies. SALT LAKE CITY â Less than two days away from the slated closure of the temporary homeless shelter in Sugar House, Salt Lake County officials announced they are leasing an entire hotel to house homeless clients who face the âhighest riskâ amid the COVID-19 pandemic. It also doesn’t hold up well to water, so it’s a poor choice for kitchens and entryways (and of course bathrooms). Make sure the carpet is firmly . But again – there’s no guarantee of avoiding an injury even if your senior parent fell on a thick mattress. Waterproof luxury vinyl planks. They are smooth, easy to maintain, waterproof and come with a cork underlayment which, when coupled with a bit of insulation can help to add some cushioning in the case of a fall. Talk to your doctor or physical therapist about the options, including: Remember that aging seniors are more sensitive to cooler temperatures. Carpeting can also bunch up and create potential obstacles and hazards for wheelchairs and walkers. We will be replacing most of the carpeting in our 30 yr old house. So, if you do have tile flooring, especially in the kitchen, you may want to consider replacing it or else placing a more forgiving floor (e.g. By Angela Stringfellow on Jan 25, 2019 3:16:40 PM. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. You may even need to pour self leveling mix, so it can get expensive. There are tons of knock-offs and variations of LVP. And, importantly, they have a cork underlayment underneath so they add some cushioning if you do fall (and a bit of insulation). 5) Which type of flooring is most comfortable? So, do all you can to make sure you have strong lighting, especially in hallways, stairs and bathrooms. Keep the padding under the carpet as thin as possible because it decreases the chances of tripping and falling due to poor balance. Put area rugs at front door (and maybe even tile at the very front and use a swiffer often. With the help of our in-house fall prevention specialist and Doctor of Physical Therapy, we researched and designed a program with recommended products that are: Slip Resistant: We have selected and ⦠Hi Elizabeth. I am most concerned about the carpeted areas. You are less likely to slip on carpet, and if you do, the carpeting will help cushion the fall. This is a very durable type of carpeting, often found in commercial buildings. Any testimonials you’ve heard of regarding this? What is the best, safest and green carpet out there. Instead, it’s better to wear some sort of non-slip slippers or comfortable shoes. ... Communities for the senior living population are striving to provide safe environments that help reduce falls, provide wayfinding and incorporate environmental safety. This can be especially important in cooler climates (especially in the winter). Note: these are available in many different colors. Each threshold becomes a trip hazard. (By the way, hospitals and doctors offices use versions of these types of floors since they are the most sanitary and easiest to traverse). Also, many feel safer with carpeting in the bedrooms, especially if they are worried about falling out of or off the bed. Please note that this article may contain affiliate links. So, when shopping for non-slip floors look for the R13 ratings. Carpeting can hold particulate matter from outside, decreasing indoor air quality. State Medicaid Program Contact Information. This looks great and is waterproof. The other benefits of low pile carpets and rugs are: But, it’s important to note that although I recommend low pile carpets for all the reasons listed above, I do want to caution you that if your elderly parent has a high risk of falling, this type of carpeting may not be suitable. While Coretec Plus is waterproof (from the top), bathrooms contain some unique properties that make it difficult to use Coretec Plus (and the same holds for any other floating floor). Bear in mind that sand will be an issue for virtually EVERY surface (including lux vinyl, laminate and hardwood) except tile. Let me preface this section by saying that this is often the trickiest area of the home to make safe for seniors when it comes to flooring. It may be difficult to keep the carpet completely dry. So make sure spills and splashes are wiped up right way. These cookies do not store any personal information. If you prefer a hard surface, my top choice for aging adults would be a new product called Coretec Plus. Q: Are the handrails loose or broken? You can read my full review of Coretec Plus here, as well as see the many color and style choices available. 99. Of course hardwood floors and the many different types of today’s laminate flooring, especially the luxury vinyl floors are excellent candidates for these qualities. I’m so glad to hear that. At NO ADDITIONAL COST TO YOU, I will earn a small commission, if you purchase them. Also, carpet has a tendency to trap dirt and dust particles especially when not maintained properly. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. In addition, the carpet will provide cushion and shock absorption which makes it easier and less tiring on your feel. (Yes, this does happen as we age). If you are planning to move, check out this helpful article from Sharon Paxson, 10 Considerations for Seniors Searching for a Home to Age in Place. Choosing flooring that is safe for aging in place may seem challenging as you have several competing priorities: 1) Which type of flooring is the most slip resistant? We are not a substitution for any advice from a licensed professional. Copyright © {2018} {SeniorSafetyAdvice.com} Powered by Customify. There are plenty of places with activities for children. Please note that some of this site’s links are affiliate links, and TheFlooringGirl.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. We are here to share what we have been through and what we learned with you! Floor manufacturers normally apply an “R” rating to the non-slip value of a product. The majority of seniors opt for carpeting in the home because of ⦠Hope – That’s a toughie. It’s important to take into consideration the current needs of the homeowner(s) but also to do your best to anticipate any future needs. FREE Shipping on orders over $25 shipped by Amazon. 4) Which type of flooring is easiest to clean and maintain? You will see that there can be some down sides in virtually all options (and sometimes the downside is simply a cosmetic one). Do you know if SFI Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) 20 MIL (Summit Plank Shaughnessy Walnut 1819) is an equivalent product to Coretec Plus? Furthermore, and this can be a bigger issue, water can easily seep underneath the floor at the transitions, especially by the bathtub/shower area. For bedrooms and steps, carpeting is a very safe and often preferable option. Its services include a home safety evaluation. The newer part of the house (1980) is carpet probably on a plywoood subfloor. You can also order samples of Coretec plus here on Amazon. The more consistent you are with your flooring and more level to you are as you change flooring surfaces, the safer you’ll be. Because they’re waterproof, they are a great choice for kitchens, entryways and anywhere in between. If you break a bone in your leg or foot or you're at risk of falling, a walker can make it easier for you to get around. Check with your health insurance on this one…sometimes your health insurance will cover this expense. However, make sure carpets are diligently kept clean as it can cause problems to those who may have respiratory problems aggravated by allergens bred in unclean carpets. Because my mother had thick carpeting throughout her living room and bedrooms, she found it very difficult to maneuver this tank on that type of carpeting. It was an unnecessary struggle for her. It would have been much easier if she had a low pile carpet. The American Society for Testing and Materials, The Importance of Slip Resistance Tests and Values, Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License, Joint issues in feet, ankles, knees and/or hips. Choosing carpet means a softer landing if someone does fall, of course, but a shaggy carpet also makes a fall more likely. The more consistent you can be with your flooring , the better off you’ll be (and your place will look larger and nicer, too). It used to be that your choices for flooring were hardwood, ceramic tile, linoleum, vinyl or concrete. BUT, importantly add in anti-slip strips, or else some other form of anti-slip mats for the shower. Earth Weaveâs natural, non-toxic carpeting is made in the United States from carefully selected ⦠They also seem to be mislead on it’s durability (yes, there is a LOT of incorrect information out there on this product – both online and offline). While these benefits may at times conflict with each other, it’s really simply a matter of prioritizing which factors are most important. Many older adults drag their feet a bit and/or don’t lift them as much. Your email address will not be published. 4. Aging in place is becoming more popular in these past few years and as long as the home is modified to meet the safety needs of its occupants, remaining at home is an excellent solution for many seniors. One of those modifications to be considered should be the carpeting within the house. It is real linoleum, a natural product made from linseed oil, not polyvinyl chloride. Millcreek is a very family-friendly place to live as well. Good take on this topic. Another company called Slip Doctors also provides a variety of products designed to make multiple types of flooring non-slip. Instead use a rubber anti-fatigue mat (which is soft and easier on your feet and will remain in securely in place). Do you have recommendations for those of us in apartments who cannot rip out what we have & replace. (Instead, see the next solution below). These can be installed directly on top of tile (without the need to rip up the tile flooring. You need to be careful with cleaning products and make sure you don’t let water soak in. If it’s an assisted living facility or something like that, then I’m sure there is enough flooring space to install tile or carpeting at the entrances to take care of sand and lux vinyl would be where the seniors are walking. The American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) use slip resistance standards for flooring that are also used globally. Of course, not all older adults develop these problems and then again, some will end up with a combination of these. But, many people mistakenly think that cork flooring is soft. Hey Debbie: I have Marmoleum in my kitchen. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Asked by Rebecca St John. And, at some point, it may become necessary to install a chair lift. Install Anti-Slip Tapes or Carpet. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Carpet flooring would be the best option for homes with seniors, especially if mobility could be an issue. Hence we are renovating with an eye to our future. You can also use this tape in other areas, such as the steps, but as you’ll see below, carpet on steps is a much safer option. If you’re going to go with carpet, I would recommend a short cut pile to mid pile carpet. Wendy – I would think that it would, but you will want to be careful about the sand. And, they are super hard, so if you do fall, you are much more likely to hurt yourself. Also, not sure what “Florida senior home” means. Some of these may include modifications to the steps or relocating the master bedroom to the 1st floor. A non-slip sole: This is essential to ensure stability and prevent falls. Of course, another reason many of us, elderly or not, use rugs is for decor. But in my eyes, safety trumps decor so I simply recommend that you do your best to convince your elderly parent(s) to remove those extra, non-essential rugs throughout the house. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. I even know this from personal experience when I broke my foot many years ago. If so that really limits you (because you can’t install hard surface on top of that as there is too much bounce. 801.746.SAFE (7233) The Utah Safety Council cares about your safety outside of the work setting. (And, yes, over time it can splinter). felt pads, vent covers, Hardwood supplies e.g. This will make entering and exiting the shower much safer as it won’t be slippery there. These can become very slippery when wet and are the most likely surface to cause falls. Furthermore, small area rugs at the front door on in the kitchen can cause someone to slip across the floor (as the smaller rugs don’t have enough weight to hold them down. Upgrade the carpet cushion for extra cushioning (and well as better sound absorption and insulation). They are super slippery even without water. If there is high traffic in the area or a wheelchair is in use I recommend a commercial grade carpet such as a loop pile type of carpeting. Esther Kane is a certified Senior Home Safety Specialist through Age Safe America. The reason that this is important is because you want to minimize the number of transitions (i.e. They simply make the very best stuff. They will also last longer. Many people already have tile in their bathrooms (and that’s a great choice until you get older). Bamboo scratches and dents super easily. You can choose rubber flooring of extra thickness for elderly people who have particularly painful conditions like osteoporosis and arthritis, or for those recovering from hip or knee surgery. As you can see, there is no “one size fits all” flooring option for the entire home, and it’s important to look at your options room by room. The Millcreek library is a particularly wonderful part of the community. It’s easy to slip on tiles, especially when they are wet. I’m sorry, I’m not familiar with this newer product. Marmoleum is a great product. Eliminating transition or thresholds between doors is easier with a solid surface than with carpet. It’s been a crazy week. Consumer Reports selects the best cars for savvy seniors, focused on the specific needs of older drivers. However, if you have a commercial carpet glued down (very tight, not soft) then another option would be a floating luxury vinyl floor on top. Importantly, make sure all wires and cords are out of the way. Wet floors can make virtually any type of flooring slippery and cause slips and falls. Note: In this article I’ll be referring to carpets and rugs. Generally – I do not recommend rugs in homes with older adults – it’s simply too easy to trip over them but I also understand that some seniors will strongly refuse to get rid of their rugs. So, if you MUST have rugs in your home – PLEASE ensure they are non-slip rugs. I especially like these new night lights from SnapPower as they don’t take up extra space and are great for hallways. areas. It’s made with loops that are all the same height. $15.99 $ 15. So, if you wanted to use Marmoleum (or something similar), you’d need to spend a lot on prepping the floor first, to smooth out all the grout lines. light tan) and limited styles. Anti-fatigue mats are excellent for people of all ages. Home safety for seniors should always include short cut pile carpet no thicker than 1/4 inch pile height. The padding underneath should also be as thin as possible. If there is high traffic in the area or a wheelchair is in use I recommend a commercial grade carpet such as a loop pile type of carpeting.Â. REDUCES BEDSIDE INJURIES: The NYOrtho fall mat provides complete bedside coverage for the safety of elderly loved ones or patients who are at risk of falling. I don’t really know of any flooring material that will prevent injury from a fall. Obviously, steps get to be more challenging if as you age, or if you get hurt. But, if you can’t convince them, I found that the next best alternative is to at least switch the type of rugs being used. Carpet is a synthetic material, made from petroleum byproducts, nylon, acrylic, PVC and more. They also trap less dirt and stains so they are easier to keep clean. No matter what is causing the problems in mobility – the safety measures to modify the type of flooring in the home are the same. This is so important. It has a smooth and regular surface texture, 36 and higher – Low Potential for Slipping. 4.6 out of 5 stars 72. By far, the safest option for the steps is carpeting. She specialized in rehabilitation for the adult population. This should be one that is smooth and even. It’s slip resistant and provides shock absorption if you do fall. Coretec Plus is much easier to work with and has more cushioning than Marmoleum. If you’re older and have tile floors, I would advise against adding area rugs as these can cause tripping hazards and also can cause you to slip. I would recommend to replace traditional rugs and bath mats with non-skid mats. There are several types you can use: If the home you are modifying has rugs on top of carpeting – there is no safe solution for that except to remove the rug entirely. I know most of these rugs are for decor but it’s not worth the injuries that could come from a fall just to make the area look prettier. Vinyl is by far the easiest flooring option to clean and maintain, which makes it a great option for ⦠And, out of these falls, 20% lead to broken bones or head injuries. Vinyl. A cost of living index above 100 means Salt Lake City, Utah is more expensive. It’s an economical choice as well especially as it can be installed on top of virtually all surfaces. Non-Slip Vinyl. It’s not “soft” in the same way that a carpet is soft. If it’s a house that where someone who lives in there is a senior that’s one thing. In addition, tile is hard on your feet, and cold, so it’s less attractive in cooler climates, especially during the winter. Keep the carpet pile short so that it won’t get caught on a cane, walker, foot, etc. I recommend them as they are good products. You are less likely to slip on carpet, and if you do, the carpeting will help cushion the fall. Related article: How is cork flooring made and why is it considered green? SAFE FLOORING Flooring Designed Specifically for Seniors We help make living at home easier for aging adults. Terms and Conditions Privacy Policy Disclaimer Sitemap. It’s then about making adjustments to make it safer. But the more insulation and padding the floor may have, the better the chances are that a fall will not result in a broken bone or other serious injury. While I highly recommend Coretec Plus for most areas of the home, this product, in my opinion is not suitable for bathrooms (assuming we are talking about the main bathroom that has a bathtub and/or shower; it is generally fine for powder rooms). This way, slips are less likely to occur and if they do occur at least you’ll have a bit of shock absorption. If your elderly parents are living independently or youâre caring for an aging loved one at home, safety is a prominent concern. In addition, Trusty-Step products may be used indoors or outdoors.” – www.trustystep.com. I would check with US Floors tech department, too. They generally are not as expensive as high pile carpeting. Carpeting is a great option for bedrooms as it’s easier on your feet and warmer. Previous Next 1 of 8 Types of walkers. Make sure the floor is clear, so that there aren’t toys, clothes, books or other items that could cause tripping hazards (and make sure walk ways are clear). And, importantly, this may vary based on which room you are discussing. Answers. Many elderly people use rugs in doorways where a wood or tile floor meets carpeting. My mother did that throughout her entire home. Her reasoning was that it kept the carpeting from wearing out because of the high traffic. It is still a hard surface, but it has more cushioning on your feet or give if you do fall down. Most prefer the look of hard surfaces, too. Pros: Rubber flooring is the safest choice you can make in ⦠if you have a cane or walker or wheel chair, which types are easiest to maneuver?). My plan is to add hardwood where it does not exist a hallway and the family room, and refinish all the wood to match.
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