Slips and falls lead to thousands of injuries in New Zealand every year, with flooring surfaces playing a major part in many of these incidents.
Falls and fall-related injuries are common among older adults, and injuries from falls can often lead to a lower quality of life in the elderly.
In order to minimise the risk of falls, it is paramount for floor designers to choose flooring solutions that are slip-resistant.
In aged care environments like nursing homes, the choice of flooring plays an important part in minimising risk for both residents and staff alike.
Types of flooring options
Below we’ve detailed some of the key options for aged care flooring solutions that don’t compromise on design while ensuring a safe environment.
Vinyl Flooring
Vinyl flooring is a popular choice for aged care facilities, particularly in wet areas as it is non-slip, impermeable, easy to clean and provides a smooth, continuous surface.
It is also budget friendly and very low maintenance.
It can also come in a variety of colours and styles so that safety doesn’t compromise on the aesthetic of the environment.
Textured, or non-slip tiles
Tiles are a great choice for particular areas, such as bathrooms or kitchens.
Not only do tiles look great, but there are many options available now that are textured to create a non-slip surface.
Tiles open up the opportunity for many more design choices for spaces, and with the grip technology used throughout these textured tile designs, the options are endless.
Non-slip coating products
There are many non-slip coating options available that can be applied to existing flooring.
These products help to increase the slip resistance of existing floors, thereby increasing the safety of the environment and extending the life of the flooring.
These coating products can be applied to several flooring surfaces, including rubber, linoleum, vinyl and timber.
Wood-look outdoor tiles
Wood-look or composite deck tiles are the ideal choice for outdoor areas.
They are slip resistant and are purchased ready for installation.
These wood-like tiles won’t produce splinters or rot, while maintaining the stylish look of timber in outdoor areas.
Tactile Ground Surface Indicators
Tactile ground surface indicators provide greater access for those with vision impairment.
They are installed on pedestrian surfaces to help orientate those with low vision by providing a tactile warning to help them navigate the environment.
They are available in a range of colours and designs to suit every design need.
Rubber Flooring Systems
Rubber flooring is a great option due to being moisture resistant, performs well in high traffic areas, is resistant to marks and scratches and helps absorb sound – all while being slip resistant.
It is also low maintenance, which is a must when it comes to keeping areas in good working condition.
Making aged care facilities safer
It’s of vital importance to create a safe environment for both residents and staff alike in aged care facilities, in order to prevent the likelihood of falls and to help ensure quality of life for residents.
Choosing the right flooring for each area of a facility is essential, and with the amazing array of options available, there is no need to compromise on design while ensuring people’s safety.
