What Carpet Is Safer For The Elderly

Burden of frequent vacuuming.

What carpet is safer for the elderly.

Wood laminate ceramic or glass tile stairs are slippery and therefore hazardous for the elderly. 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. So what is safe carpeting for seniors. 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. However you can make them safe easily without spending a fortune. This guide helps you chose the best flooring for elderly homes. 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. Generally speaking carpeted stairs can be safer for older adults than solid wood or stone or any other slippery type of material. Vinyl offers the same hard wearing and low maintenance benefits of linoleum. Thicker is not better in this situation.

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. Reasons to avoid carpet include the. One option would be to securely carpet the treads or laying a carpet runner on the stairs. 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 spruce margot cavin. 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. Or course carpeting or carpet runners are better for pets especially small dogs and aging dogs. Here we ll review various flooring options that are a good fit for the elderly.

In addition the carpet will provide cushion and shock absorption which makes it easier and less tiring on your feel. Your express flooring representative will help you choose a carpet that s right for you. We know new carpet is an option but wonder if the current trends of bamboo or cork would be a better alternatives. Home safety for seniors should always include short cut pile carpet no thicker than 1 4 inch pile height.

There are some downsides to carpets though. Install anti slip tapes or carpet. A thick carpet for instance will cushion your fall better than a thin carpet designed to withstand heavy foot traffic. Includes a list of flooring types to avoid for senior safety.