What Carpet Is Safer For The Elderly

There are some downsides to carpets though.

What carpet is safer 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. Our dilemma is what flooring to install on the stairs and master bedroom which will be pet and elderly meaning possible walker slipping etc friendly. Or course carpeting or carpet runners are better for pets especially small dogs and aging dogs. So what is safe carpeting for seniors.

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. Vinyl offers the same hard wearing and low maintenance benefits of linoleum. However you can make them safe easily without spending a fortune. In addition the carpet will provide cushion and shock absorption which makes it easier and less tiring on your feel.

Thick carpet and padding also make it more difficult to push and maneuver manual wheelchairs and walkers. You are less likely to slip on carpet and if you do the carpeting will help cushion the fall. 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. The padding underneath should also be as thin as possible.

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. 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. Home safety for seniors should always include short cut pile carpet no thicker than 1 4 inch pile height.

Here we ll review various flooring options that are a good fit for the elderly. 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. We know new carpet is an option but wonder if the current trends of bamboo or cork would be a better alternatives. Includes a list of flooring types to avoid for senior safety.

A thick carpet for instance will cushion your fall better than a thin carpet designed to withstand heavy foot traffic. The spruce margot cavin. Your express flooring representative will help you choose a carpet that s right for you. 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.

Wood laminate ceramic or glass tile stairs are slippery and therefore hazardous for the elderly. Generally speaking carpeted stairs can be safer for older adults than solid wood or stone or any other slippery type of material. Thicker is not better in this situation. Reasons to avoid carpet include the.