What Carpet Is Safer For The Elderly

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

What carpet is safer for the elderly.

The spruce margot cavin. You are less likely to slip on carpet and if you do the carpeting will help cushion the fall. Includes a list of flooring types to avoid for senior 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.

We know new carpet is an option but wonder if the current trends of bamboo or cork would be a better alternatives. Thick carpet and padding also make it more difficult to push and maneuver manual wheelchairs and walkers. Vinyl offers the same hard wearing and low maintenance benefits of linoleum. 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.

So what is safe carpeting for seniors. Generally speaking carpeted stairs can be safer for older adults than solid wood or stone or any other slippery type of material. Wood laminate ceramic or glass tile stairs are slippery and therefore hazardous for the elderly. In addition the carpet will provide cushion and shock absorption which makes it easier and less tiring on your feel.

Install anti slip tapes or carpet. 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. This guide helps you chose the best flooring for elderly homes. 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. Hardwood carpet vinyl and linoleum are considered with advantages and disadvantages of each. Or course carpeting or carpet runners are better for pets especially small dogs and aging dogs. There are some downsides to carpets though.

One option would be to securely carpet the treads or laying a carpet runner on the stairs. Your express flooring representative will help you choose a carpet that s right for you. However you can make them safe easily without spending a fortune. Thicker is not better in this situation.

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. Reasons to avoid carpet include the. 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. A thick carpet for instance will cushion your fall better than a thin carpet designed to withstand heavy foot traffic.