hardwood flooring installation

For Safe Mobility, Check Out these Options!

Nowadays, we hear more and more about aging in place. What is it, exactly? Simply put, it's choosing to stay at home, as opposed to moving into an assisted care facility. That means, renovating the house to accommodate such items as walkers and wheelchairs, along with other much-needed mobility devices. If this sounds like a scenario that's close to your heart, you may want to read on to learn more about the ideal surfacing materials for this situation. At About Floors n' More, our Jacksonville, FL, showroom pros are standing by to help you decide which material would suit you or your loved one best. Read through the following stylish options that deliver both safety and durability.


Wall-To-Wall Carpeting
While you may not think that carpeting makes for a good choice, many assisted living facilities use it for several reasons, including to cushion accidental falls, and provide a uniform surface area. However, compared to a wood flooring installation, you'll need to keep a keen eye on the surfacing, as it can be a danger to elders when its edges curl, causing a tripping hazard. As such, never use a rug or a section of loose carpet as a surfacing alternative, always opt for wall-to-wall. 


Wood Flooring
Engineered hardwood or solid hardwood flooring, is the second most popular choice for aging in place. Since it gives seniors a durable, solid surfacing material to cross, it guarantees a consistent, safe walking space. Walkers, wheelchairs and other wheeled mobility aids will have no issues with this surfacing. As well, when kept free of objects and covering, it does not pose a tripping hazard. Having said that, do keep in mind that seniors who fall will definitely feel more pain than if they had fallen on carpeting. Style-wise, hard surfacing has been seen in houses for generations, so there's no shortage of designs or colors. 


Laminate
So, what's slightly softer than a hard surfacing material, ensuring a bit more cushion underfoot? Yes, you guessed it, it's laminate! While some seniors and family members may question this material, there's really no need to, as it's both sturdy and affordable. For those who wish to redo their homes to accommodate aging in place while still adhering to a budget, your solution may very well be laminate. When it comes to appearance, there's no need to worry, as modern day manufacturing techniques have essentially created this surfacing material to be eye-catching, as well as incredibly technologically advanced and adaptable.