Choose flooring materials with high slip resistance to reduce the risk of falls, which is a major concern in senior living environments. They also require frequent cleaning to maintain hygiene. Vinyl, rubber, and laminate are good options because they are resistant to stains and can be cleaned with simple, non-toxic cleaning agents.
- Avoid sharp contrasts in color because it can appear as a hole or barrier as a person’s eyesight declines.
- Subtle shifts in color or texture can be applied to differentiate areas or create “paths”.
- There should be a color contrast between floors and walls.
- Matte finishes can reduce glare and reduce confusion about whether a floor is wet or slippery.
- Transitions should be smooth, detail should be specified when transitioning between materials to reduce the hazards of uneven floors.
- Acoustic effects of the finish should be weighed with the planned use of the area in mind.
- Are there any known moisture issues with the substrate, have you tested or specified testing to determine this, and if so, what type of testing?
