Includes a list of flooring types to avoid for senior safety.
What carpet is safer for the elderly.
So what is safe carpeting for seniors.
But this does depend on the type of carpeting that is on the staircase and it also depends on the physical condition of the senior person in question.
You are less likely to slip on carpet and if you do the carpeting will help cushion the fall.
Your express flooring representative will help you choose a carpet that s right for you.
The spruce margot cavin.
This guide helps you chose the best flooring for elderly homes.
One option would be to securely carpet the treads or laying a carpet runner on the stairs.
Wood laminate ceramic or glass tile stairs are slippery and therefore hazardous for the elderly.
Vinyl offers the same hard wearing and low maintenance benefits of linoleum.
Generally speaking carpeted stairs can be safer for older adults than solid wood or stone or any other slippery type of material.
Home safety for seniors should always include short cut pile carpet no thicker than 1 4 inch pile height.
However you can make them safe easily without spending a fortune.
Install anti slip tapes or carpet.
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.
Thick carpet and padding also make it more difficult to push and maneuver manual wheelchairs and walkers.
Burden of frequent vacuuming.
In addition the carpet will provide cushion and shock absorption which makes it easier and less tiring on your feel.
The padding underneath should also be as thin as possible.
A thick carpet pile and thick padding are the absolute worst options for anyone who is unstable walking using a walker a wheelchair or a power chair as it increases the chances of tripping and falling.
Here we ll review various flooring options that are a good fit for the elderly.
When you re seeking out the best flooring options for senior citizens the two main factors you should consider are ease of maintenance and safety.
Depending on the stage of life and physical restrictions of the resident one factor may be more or less important to you than the other.
Hardwood carpet vinyl and linoleum are considered with advantages and disadvantages of each.
We know new carpet is an option but wonder if the current trends of bamboo or cork would be a better alternatives.
Thicker is not better in this situation.
A thick carpet for instance will cushion your fall better than a thin carpet designed to withstand heavy foot traffic.
There are some downsides to carpets though.
Vinyl is a highly water resistant material and high quality luxury vinyl is virtually waterproof however the seams in vinyl tile and planks can let water through to the subfloor so standing water can be a problem.