4 Best Elderly-Friendly Flooring Options

4 Best Elderly-Friendly Flooring Options

Choosing a flooring option for senior citizens should be done with care. If you have an elderly person in your home, your flooring must have some important characteristics such as slip-resistance, easy maintenance, cushioning and comfort. These features are important because your home’s floor must be safe for the elderly person to walk, clean and maintain or else it can create a safety issue.

If you want to give a comfortable home to your senior citizen family member, then consider these 4 elderly friendly flooring options.

• Carpeting

When it comes to a flooring choice for senior citizens, carpeting wins the race. Carpet is a cushion material that offers comfort underfoot and provides some level of protection against injury if someone falls on the floor. Apart from being comfortable, carpet is also good for maintaining a neutral temperature in all weathers. Therefore, it will give a favourable feeling throughout the year, irrespective of temperature. That being said, it also absorbs sound and keeps the indoor atmosphere quiet for elderly people to relax without worrying about hearing noises of someone walking around.

• Vinyl Flooring

Vinyl flooring is considered to be an ideal choice for senior citizens as its durable, water-resistant and easy to maintain. If you choose to install vinyl flooring, then cleaning and maintaining the floors regularly will save time. It provides a hard and smooth surface, thus making it easy for aged people to walk comfortably in their home, even on a wheelchair.

• Cork Flooring

Cork is a healthier and more comfortable choice of flooring for senior citizens. It provides a smooth, cushioned surface while being water resistant. This eco-friendly flooring is a healthier choice for elderly people because it is hypoallergenic and insect resistance. Therefore, it ensures an allergen-free atmosphere for senior citizens, especially the ones suffering from asthma and allergies. Its thermal and sound insulation properties make it the perfect option for maintaining a quiet and comfortable atmosphere inside a home. As far as cleaning is concerned, you can relax as regular vacuuming and sweeping is sufficient.

• Linoleum

Linoleum may seem to be an outdated flooring product but it is a great choice for homes with elderly members. This eco-friendly choice is durable and eliminates the hassle of installing a new flooring every few years which is not possible for adults above the age of 65 years. It is good for both wheelchairs and walkers as it has a flat, smooth surface. Made from natural materials, linoleum offers similar health benefits as cork does.

Whether you’re remodelling your parent’s home or upgrading your home for your elderly parents, these flooring options are your best bet. Cork, carpet, vinyl and linoleum all have their own advantages for senior citizens as they are comfortable, low maintenance, durable and slip resistant. Consider all these factors and contact your local hardwood flooring expert if you have any questions.