Aging In Place Safety: 5 Facts About Flooring

If you or a loved one are aging in place, then chances are, you’ve thought about doing a few home modifications. You can make plenty of upgrades, remodels, and little changes for safer living at home. Let’s talk about flooring!

Hardwood, vinyl, cork, carpet, and more – there are SO many options for flooring that are both pretty and practical! But, when choosing what’s best for your home, consider these 5 facts.

1. Carpet is the perfect non-slip surface, but it has other drawbacks.

Wall-to-wall carpet can look great, feel nice and cushy on your feet, and keep you warmer if you live somewhere that gets chilly. But, unlike other types of flooring, carpet can be harder to clean, hold onto allergens, and make wheelchairs harder to push. We recommend short, hypoallergenic carpeting to ensure a choice that will work for you no matter what curveballs life throws at you!

2. Cork has quirks you may not like.

A cork floor is soft, shock-absorbant, and provides great traction. Odds of falling because of this flooring? Not very high. And, if you did fall on it, the rubber-like feel would help to ease your pain significantly. However, cork is not a very durable, long-lasting material. Too much moisture will ruin it, and so will furniture legs.

3. If you like area rugs, don’t skip the double-sided tape.

Area rugs can add some color and character to any living space. An area rug can also be the perfect flooring solution if you can’t afford to replace hardwood or other surfaces that are just too slippery. But – an area rug can also be dangerous if not properly secured to a floor. Bunched-up or constantly sliding area rugs can create an even greater fall risk. Luckily, there’s a simple solution: double-sided tape. This special adhesive can hold your rug in place anywhere you put it!

4. If you’re looking for cheap prices, but modern designs and great quality, then consider vinyl flooring.

Vinyl flooring is not what it used to be. Today, vinyl is one of the most affordable and best-looking DIY materials out there. Depending on the look you choose, it can run anywhere from 75 cents to $4 per square foot. It’s durable, easy to clean, and easily installed anywhere. And, you can even get vinyl that will look like hardwood.

5. Rubber flooring is not JUST for the gym!

When you think about flooring material, it’s probably safe to assume that rubber was not the first or even second thought to enter your mind. But, did you know that it comes in all sorts of colors and designs? It’s not JUST for the gym anymore. Rubber flooring can be installed anywhere. It’s slip-resistant, durable, and very, very soft and cushy! If you’re remodeling your home for aging in place, rubber is one material we recommend asking your CAPS professional about!

More On Aging In Place Safety

For more info on safely aging in place, visit these resources!

Aging In Place Safety: 5 Facts About Grab Bars

Aging In Place: Staying Safe When Staying Home

ADA.gov

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