Introduction to Elderly Flooring
Let’s face it, one day we will all get old! Actually, 18% of the UK population is already over 65 years old, that’s roughly 1 in 5 people. Some elderly people stay in care homes and others live independently or with family members. All of these are good options, but did you know that some floors are more ‘age-friendly’ than others? In this post, we will look at the pros and cons of popular flooring materials with a focus on elderly people.
Carpets and the Elderly
Carpets make up over half of all flooring sales in the UK, so it’s safe to say they are popular. They are a great choice for elderly occupants, as they are soft, which can help protect the body in the event of a fall. Carpets also feel warm, which helps provide a steady ambient temperature for older people. They do have a couple of drawbacks though. Firstly, they can lead to poorer air quality, as they often harbour dirt and dust in their fibres, which can cause problem for those with respiratory or allergic problems. Secondly, carpets soak in stains and spillages, so that is worth considering when picking out a floor for the elderly. With a couple of things going for it and a couple going against it – carpet makes for a solid choice.
Linoleum
Not everyone knows about Linoleum. Linoleum is a naturally-made resilient flooring. It has many aspects working for it when thinking about elderly users. Firstly, it is very easy to clean. Secondly, it is very durable. Thirdly, it is very smooth and level, which increases safety and makes it wheelchair-friendly. Importantly, it is natural, so it improves air quality in the home environment. Unfortunately, it not all praise for linoleum. Firstly, it is a bit more expensive than other materials on this list. Secondly, it’s also pretty hard, so falls would be unforgiving. Linoleum may not be the first flooring material that comes to mind, but it would an excellent choice for use with the elderly.
Vinyl
Whether in sheets or tiles, vinyl flooring is a strong choice for care homes or in the homes of the elderly. It is durable, so scratches from wheelchairs and walking aids will barely show. It is waterproof, so spillages won’t permanently damage your floor. The polyurethane top coat is stain resistant, so accidents can be easily wiped away. Also, there are no fibres for bacteria and germs to hide in. Vinyl is fairly affordable and with basic maintenance (sweeping and mopping) should last for a very long time. Definitely, the best choice out there for homes with older occupants!
Wood Flooring
Real wood flooring looks amazing, there’s no doubt about that! However, spillages and staining does affect the wood greatly. Also, it is a hard material, so falls will hurt. Furthermore, it is fairly pricey to buy and install compared to some other flooring materials on this list. But in its favour, real wood is natural and will contribute to create a better air quality inside. It’s not the first choice that comes to mind for elderly people, but if you are really keen for it, then go for it!
Rubber
Another unusual choice on this list, but very beneficial for the elderly. Most importantly, it is pretty safe. It is soft, so falls are cushioned. It is grippy, so slips are less likely to occur. Practically speaking, rubber is very durable and resistant to scratches and spillages. Yes, it is more expensive than other choices on this list, but for the added safety it could be well worth it. Another drawback is beauty, rubber does not look particularly good, but if you can get over that, then it represents a fantastic flooring choice for older people.
Conclusion about Elderly Flooring
There are many flooring types out there and as you can see some are more beneficial for the elderly than others. It is worth thinking outside the box with flooring for the elderly, linoleum and rubber floors are not popular in most modern houses, but are excellent for elderly occupants. If you want something more common, then luxury vinyl tiles and sheet vinyl tops the list, as it’s waterproof, scratch resistant and very hygienic when cleaned regularly. Real wood does look amazing, but is expensive and hard. Carpet feels comfortable and cosy, but may be degrade air quality over time. So, if you are looking for a floor for your elderly loved ones – choose wisely!
