By Diana Saufley

Today the population of 45-64 year olds makes up 26.4 percent of the US population. Due to the ease of travel and migration for careers many seniors or soon to be senior adults live in cities far removed from their children and families.  As the baby-boomers are hitting the social security rolls and feeling the effects of age related disorders, large populations of them are planning to “Age in Place” instead of in a nursing home or other retirement community.   

Some may choose to downsize which requires both selling and buying a home while others may choose moving to a senior retirement community or to live with their.  Possessions of a lifetime require thoughtful planning and spatial awareness for the new location.  Beyond finding the perfect mix for their things, the safety of their space needs to be considered based on current or future potential fall risks. This is the first of a four part series about residential modifications for those that require changes to reduce the risk of injury or falls.

The primary goal for safety should be to make sure that the dwelling area is as safe as possible for mobility and prevention of falls. However, it doesn’t require a stainless, sterile, institutional design that can be isolating.   

Part 1 – Suitable flooring options:

• Textured surface increases surface tension and prevents slipping and sliding.
  • Textured linoleum
  • Slate (will not become slippery even when wet)
  • Carpeting
• Have a slip prevention coating applied to the flooring and tub/shower
• Apply rubber adhesive stickers to areas that slipping is an issue (especially areas that get wet)
• Use anti-slipping tape for stair steps
• Use rugs only if necessary
• If wheelchairs or walkers will be used, make sure the chosen surface doesn’t create so much friction that falls are possible due to reduced capability to be mobile on a particular surface.

Floor surface choices to avoid:  These are too slick and very dangerous when moisture is present.

• Marble
• Granite
• Concrete
• Smooth Tile, Stone, Laminate

Also consider patterns that the chose flooring surface can create.  Depth perception can be diminished as our eye sight falters and bold or random patterns can cause disorientation and a perception of obstacles on the floor.  The best choice for someone with faltering vision is a uniform color and minimal patterns.