As baby boomers begin to downsize and create the perfect home for their new lifestyles, the concept of aging in place is becoming one of the hottest topics in home improvement.
Aging in place design is the concept of creating a perfect living space for whatever health concerns you may have at the time. It provides a home where you can live as you age, and thrive no matter what health conditions come your way.
To start, at the very minimum a home must have all essential living space on one level, easily accessible by those that may need help in a walker or wheelchair. Kitchen, bathroom, living space and a bedroom must all be on one level and easily to navigate for it to be considered accessible.
There are many features and upgrades you can add along the way to bring in all the comforts of home. Yet one of the most important places to start is at the bottom … with your flooring.
Lets start with the entry to the bathroom. As you age, tripping becomes a greater problem. To avoid tripping situations, its best to keep all flooring equal and with as little transition as possible when moving from one room to the next. Work to ensure thresholds keep the transition as smooth as possible, especially if you change from one flooring type to another.
Once in the bathroom, two things become top priority: falling and slipping. Your final flooring selection should be skid resistant, and be as user-friendly as possible when it comes to potential falls. A slippery surface can be deadly; talk with your flooring consultant about which materials would be best.
Vinyl and linoleum are two great products to consider because of their anti-skid texture, and their relatively soft surface for in case a fall does occur. Unlike tiles, vinyl and linoleum both offer a cushion backing, which can make any falls a little softer.
That said, tile can be a great addition as well. Tile does provide a harder surface area, but its versatility is unmatched. One of the newest features that is making waves in the aging in place request list is curbless showers. The tile is continued from the main bathroom layout into the shower stall, behind plates of glass, making the feature walk in or roll in friendly without the need to step up and around a basin. They can be constructed out of many different tile options, giving your bathroom a modern look for any age.
No matter what flooring you choose, combining functionality with looks and style has never been easier. Stop by today and see what your options are … you’ll be pleasantly surprised.
For all of your Denver Hardwood Flooring needs visit our site today.
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