Among many factors that influence senior independence, flooring is an important investment in long-term safety and comfort. The best flooring for the elderly should combine non-slip features, softness underfoot, and easy maintenance. Of course, your new floors should look brilliant, too!
If you’re starting to explore aging-in-place design considerations, build your space from the ground up with senior-friendly flooring.
What Is Aging-In-Place?
Also known as senior independence, aging in place is a home design principle that prioritizes safety and stability, allowing seniors to live at home longer. Enjoy the familiarity and comfort of home while maintaining autonomy by making a few safety-minded changes to your home to reduce the risks of falls and accidents. Aging in place has gained popularity as the US population skews older; by 2040, one in five Americans will be 65 or older.
What Is the Safest Flooring for Aging in Place?
Depending on the area of the home and individual needs, rubber, cork, low-pile carpet and vinyl are all considered safe flooring options for seniors.
- Rubber: Perhaps the best non-slip flooring for seniors, rubber is a great choice. It’s also soft, durable, and works well under wheelchairs and walking aids. Consider rubber flooring for bathrooms, kitchens, or any area that experiences moisture.
- Cork: Soft, natural, and slip-resistant, cork is a popular flooring choice for seniors. It’s also very sound absorptive, which makes it a smart option for apartments, condos, or any multi-story dwelling. Cork will last a long time if it doesn’t get wet, so reserve premium cork flooring for bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways.
- Carpet: Shorter, low-pile carpet is a soft, cozy option for bedrooms, living rooms, and hallways. We recommend low-pile carpet for seniors because it’s easier to clean and won’t impede the use of wheelchairs or walking aids.
- Luxury vinyl (plank or tile): Vinyl flooring is durable, water-resistant, and slightly softer than hardwood or tile. With today’s hyper-realistic vinyl products, you can achieve the look of solid wood, natural stone, or ceramic tile at a lower price point, while also enjoying the many benefits of vinyl. Look for a vinyl material with a textured surface to provide additional grip. Prized for its versatility, vinyl is an excellent choice for any area of the home; however, look for waterproof products for bathrooms, kitchens, and laundry rooms.
Beyond Non-Slip Floors
Depending on one's physical strength, coordination, and other capabilities, several additional important home modifications may be considered, such as:
Bathroom modifications
- Grab bars
- Shower benches
- Raised toilets
Entryway modifications
- Ramps
- Wider doorways
- Exterior lighting
Interior modifications
- Improved lighting
- Smooth flooring transitions
- Stairway modifications (lifts, handrails on both sides, etc.)
Kitchen modifications
- Touchless faucets
- Front control stove/oven
- Lower or adjustable countertop heights
All of these modifications create a safe and enjoyable space to spend your golden years, surrounded by happy memories.
Creating a Safe Place for Years to Come
Whether you’re reshaping your own home or helping a family member make smart upgrades, Floor Coverings International® of Spokane can help. A dedicated Design Associate will explore non-slip and stunning flooring options with you from the comfort of your home. Our Mobile Flooring Showroom® brings over 3,000 flooring samples to your doorstep, backed by expert recommendations from our experienced team.
Schedule your free in-home consultation with us today!
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