Which types of flooring are best and safest for aging seniors and elderly adults?
According to the CDC, more than 1 in 4 adults aged 65 or older fall each year. And, out of these falls, 20% lead to broken bones or head injuries. So, making smart and safe flooring choices is super important as you get older.
At Eastman’s Carpets & Flooring we have a huge variety of options and experienced staff to walk you through the safest selections for your home – from carpeting and luxury vinyl plank to engineered hardwood and more.
You will want to consider these things:
- Which flooring is the most slip resistant?
- Which flooring is the easiest to walk on?
- Which flooring provides the most cushioning (for comfort and to soften falls)?
These characteristics may at times conflict with each other, so, it’s important to prioritize which factors are most important. This may vary based on which room you are discussing. Your choice for the kitchen will likely be different than your choice for the bedroom or bathroom or stairs.
Some of your choices may be limited by budget, but Eastman’s team can help make smart decisions while being mindful of your wallet. Here are our best options for aging seniors.
Option 1: Luxury Vinyl Plank by Floordash
If you prefer a hard surface, a great (and economical) choice for aging adults is our selection of in-stock Floordash luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring. This COREtec flooring is waterproof and has cork underlayment for cushioning and insulation. It is easy to clean and holds up to water and spills.
Luxury vinyl comes in designs that mimic the look of hardwood or stone tile, which means you can get expensive-looking floors without the hefty price tag.
Bonus Tip: You can add an additional layer of cushioning below the flooring for extra shock absorption.
Option 2: Carpeting for Safety & Comfort
If you want carpet, we recommend a short- to mid-pile carpet without texture. Tighter, denser carpets are easier to traverse than high-pile carpets or those with texture.
Carpeting is a great option for bedrooms as it’s easier on your feet and warmer. Plus, it feels safer especially if you are worried about falling off the bed.
Carpeting may be challenging if you have a wheelchair or walker. You can come to our showroom with your medical assistance devices and test them out on various carpet styles.
We also recommend that you install carpeting on the interior stairs. This is important no matter what other flooring you choose. Existing wooden stairs can be fully or partially carpeted.
Bonus tip: Upgrade the carpet padding for extra cushioning (as well as better sound absorption and insulation). This will also help the carpet last longer.
Option 3: LVP & Sheet Vinyl for Bathrooms
If you can replace the bathroom floor, we recommend installing a high-quality sheet vinyl or luxury vinyl plank (LVP) with some cushioning built in. This way, slips are less likely to occur and if they do occur, you’ll have a bit of shock absorption.
Sheet vinyl is easy to clean, and you don’t have to worry about water penetrating underneath it through the sides. The installer can cut it perfectly to the shape of the shower/bathtub and then use caulk at the edges to seal it.
Luxury vinyl is a great option, too, for bathroom floors. It is not just water resistant, but 100 percent waterproof, which makes it ideal for bathrooms.
As you can see, there is no “one size fits all” flooring option for the entire home, and it’s important to look at your options room by room.
At Eastman’s, we understand that flooring needs to change as we age. Let our extensively trained team, from design specialists to installers, is here to help. We have the right people to help you get the right flooring.