As more homeowners and families are embracing the concept of ageing in place, they are more inclined towards creating a safer and more accessible environment for seniors. This has become their priority now. Much to their interest and priority, these people tend to make their homes luxurious and big, overlooking critical areas of concern, i.e., the floor.
Senior people are more prone to falling, which leads to injury among adults. The type of flooring in a home can play a vital role in both preventing accidents and supporting mobility. That is why, instead of aesthetics mattering, the focus should be on floors and surfaces.
Whether you are renovating or creating a home for adults, choosing the right flooring makes all the difference. Let us understand why flooring is an important matter to consider during the process.
Flooring is Key to Independent Living
Falls are a leading cause of injury among older people. Many of these accidents result in extreme pain and even death at home. Often, slippery, unevenly chosen flooring becomes the cause of it. For the senior house, the ideal eco-friendly floor should be
- Minimise the risk of slips and trips
- Be smooth enough for walking aids like canes and walkers
- Require minimal bending or scrubbing to clean
- Offer comfort underfoot to reduce fatigue and joint stress.
Keeping these priorities in mind, we can assist in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and independent living for senior persons.
Top Flooring Options for Senior Living
Considering the preferences of people, several flooring choices could balance safety, long-term value and ease of use for ageing in place.
1: Cork Flooring
Cork is soft, warm, and naturally slip-resistant. Its cushioned texture can reduce fatigue and joint pain, making it ideal for areas where senior people can spend some time standing, like the kitchen or living area. It’s also quiet underfoot, perfect for multi-generational homes or apartments. However, cork is sensitive to moisture, so it's best suited for dry areas like bedrooms or living rooms.
2: Rubber Flooring
Once primarily used in gyms and healthcare facilities, rubber flooring is now making its way into residential spaces. It offers excellent traction and shock absorption and is incredibly durable. Rubber tiles or rolls are ideal for bathrooms, laundry rooms and home gyms where falls can be especially dangerous. Rubber tiles are resistant to mold and bacteria. These floorings provide good support to senior people and maintain a healthy environment.
3: Low Pile Carpet
While plush carpets can create trip hazards and hinder movement with walkers or wheelchairs, low-pile carpeting offers the best of both worlds. It is soft with stability. Dense and tightly woven with fibres that hold the floor in place and keep mobility secure and easy.
4: Luxury Vinyl Plank (LVP)
LVP is a popular choice thanks to its affordability, water resistance, and smooth surface. This type of flooring mimics the look of hardwood or tile, but it has more cushioning underfoot and maintenance to reduce strain on knees and hips. Textured and anti-slip finishes ensure professional installation for a perfect level surface.
5: ArmorPoxy Anti-Slip Flooring solution
ArmorPoxy textured epoxy floor coating offers an ideal surface for senior-friendly homes and care facilities. Designed with slip resistance in mind, these floorings help minimise the chances of falling in high-risk areas, such as bathrooms, kitchens, laundry areas, and even basements.
The best thing about having the ArmorPoxy textured floor is that it is customisable, and you may add an anti-slip additive to make it more secure. These floors require little maintenance and can be cleaned thoroughly and easily. The seamless floors become non-porous surfaces, resulting in more peace of mind in terms of security and senior-friendly floors.
Final thoughts
Flooring isn’t just about design or independent living. Flooring is a foundation for safety and confident living. By choosing senior-friendly flooring options that can prioritise traction, comfort and low maintenance, the individual is investing in a home where senior people can live happily.
Whether you are planning for a loved one or future-proofing your space, the right flooring supports the functions and enhances the comfort for people.