Safety Flooring Types You Should Consider For Aging In Place
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Statistics from surveys show that approximately 90% of adults now want to remain in their homes as they age. At the same time, different stats show that one in three people who are 65 years old or older fall every year in the United States. That’s not all. Information from the CDC shows that roughly 3 million seniors report to emergency departments with fall injuries, with 1 out of 5 falls causing serious injuries.
Whether you want to design a home that can accommodate you now and into the future or you’re trying to ensure your older adults feel comfortable and safe at home, here are the best flooring material options to consider:
1. Luxury Vinyl
Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP) is one of the top recommendations for anyone who’s looking to age in place or adults and seniors who want to revamp their homes. This material often mimics the look of stone, tile, or wood, offering a great range of design options that will comfortably suit any home. Tile would be a perfect alternative to luxury vinyl, only that it’s less forgiving as far as falls are concerned or whenever you drop breakable items.
Luxury vinyl, in comparison, especially when sourced from a top seller like https://www.reallycheapfloors.com/ will have all the benefits that a tile floor offers albeit being warmer and softer. Besides, luxury vinyl comes in a variety of visuals and textures, so you can choose the one that suits the design of your home best.
2. Non-Slip Tiles
Safety flooring shouldn’t only be in one area of your home. If you’re looking for safe bathroom flooring material, you should consider non-slip tiles. It’s generally recommended to choose smaller tiles, no larger than 2′ by 2′ for increased safety. That’s because more grout creates better traction, thus lowering the probability of slips and falls, especially if the tile surface is wet.
Nonetheless, non-slip tiles are designed to increase safety, so there won’t be a lot you should worry about. What’s more, you can choose tiles with a higher slip resistance rating, if you feel like you need that. The higher the COF (coefficient of friction) rating, the less slippery your tiles will be.
3. Non-Slip Laminate
Laminate is generally slippery, which makes it less ideal for safer floors. Still, you can opt for non-slip laminate flooring, since the material offers all the benefits of laminate such as:
- Looking and feeling like wood
- Being easy to clean and maintain
- Availability of waterproof options
- Being softer than actual hardwood
- Various finishes and grain pattern options
The non-slip laminate version is a great choice for any area of your house, other than the ones where standing water is a constant, such as bathrooms.
4. Linoleum
Linoleum is a natural flooring material made from cork, linseed oil, and pine rosin. It offers the right balance between hard and soft flooring choices, offering a little cushioning effect and feeling rather soft to your feet. You’ll love linoleum because it’s waterproof, easy to clean, and also environmentally friendly.
You, however, will need to be a bit careful with it since it’s not all that durable compared to other options. It has an increased probability of acquiring stains or scratches and dents from heavy furniture.
5. Low-Profile Carpet
No way we can leave out this option, given the benefits that carpeted floors offer as far as enhanced safety for older adults is concerned. Carpeting not only softens the landing during falls but also makes your house warmer and quieter, which is ideal for seniors.
It’s, however, highly recommended to use carpets in your favourite living room and bedrooms and stick to harder, easier-to-clean surfaces for kitchens, bathrooms, and hallways.
Solve Your Safety Flooring Dilemma Today
With lots of factors and options to consider, choosing the right safety flooring for ageing in place can be a challenging task, no doubt about that. But it doesn’t have to be this way, especially if you live in Georgia or North Carolina.
Trust Really Cheap Floors, one of the best flooring material sellers in GA and NC, to not only provide high-quality flooring but also guide you in making the right choice so you can install a floor that serves you and feels safe for years. Visit reallycheapfloors.com today to learn more.