As we age, our mobility and balance can decline, making us more prone to falls. It’s essential to install flooring that helps maintain our balance and prevent dangerous slips.
The flooring industry understands this need and offers beautiful yet safe flooring options for seniors. Here are some top choices for those with mobility and balance challenges, as well as flooring types to avoid.
Best Flooring for Elderly Homeowners
Low-Pile Carpeting
Low-pile carpeting is a popular choice for its comfort and non-slip qualities. It’s durable, easy to clean, and traps less dirt and debris than thicker carpets. Plus, it’s budget-friendly. However, it’s not as soft as other carpets and can be prone to stains and imprints.
Cork Flooring
Cork flooring is another excellent option. It’s eco-friendly, hypoallergenic, and provides a unique look. Cork’s natural elasticity makes it resilient and able to absorb impact, which is great for preventing falls. However, cork is vulnerable to moisture, can be expensive, and has limited design options.
Linoleum Flooring
Linoleum is a non-slip, affordable, and durable flooring option that’s easy to maintain and resistant to moisture. It comes in various colors and styles. However, linoleum has an initial odor that some might find unpleasant, and it can be easily scratched and dented by heavy furniture.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is another affordable, non-slip option. It’s water-resistant, easy to maintain, and popular among homeowners. However, vinyl is not environmentally friendly, as it’s made from synthetic materials that are not biodegradable and can release VOCs. It’s also less durable than other options like rubber or linoleum.
Rubber Flooring
Rubber flooring is comfortable, cushioned, and great for preventing falls. It can withstand heavy foot traffic and is low-maintenance, with a wide range of designs available. However, it can be expensive and might negatively affect your home’s resale value.
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Flooring Seniors Should Avoid
Polished Natural Stone
Polished natural stone is high-maintenance, slippery, and doesn’t absorb shock well, making it unsuitable for seniors.
Ceramic or Porcelain Tile
These tiles are pretty but cold, hard, and require regular maintenance, which can be challenging for those with mobility issues.
Area Rugs
Area rugs can contribute to falls and slips, even with grips in place. They can move around on certain surfaces and pose obstacles for those using mobility aids.
High-Gloss Hardwood Floors
While elegant, high-gloss hardwood is slippery and prone to spills, increasing the risk of accidents.
Bamboo Flooring
Though eco-friendly, bamboo is vulnerable to moisture, expensive, and not very durable, making it a poor choice for seniors.
Make Your Floors Safer for Seniors
Whether you’re installing flooring for yourself or an elderly family member, our handyman services can help. Choosing a reliable handyman can be stressful, but with handymanpars, you’ll get high-quality, professional service backed by the Neighborly Done Right Promise™. Contact a handymanpars nearby to request service today!
