Dementia is something which has affected many people in one way or another. There are lots of different ways in which we can help dementia patients feel more comfortable in their surroundings, one of which is to implement the right flooring.

When it comes to choosing flooring for Dementia patients there are many determining factors, of which practicality and safety should be at the forefront. What happens if a patient falls over? Falls are crucial when it comes to dementia patients, not only can it cause physical hurt, it also knocks their confidence, which can see a rapid decline in their physical and mental health as an effect.

Here at Bradbury Flooring, we like to contribute our knowledge to create safe, aesthetic environments for all residents in special care or suffering with dementia. Below we have highlighted some tips to consider when picking out flooring and the benefits these bring.

Avoid patterned or shiny flooring

Although patterned or shiny floors sound idyllic to you and me, it can be extremely confusing for dementia patients. Shiny floors can appear to look wet or slippery, speckled carpets can look littered and patterns such as flowers are deceptive. You can only imagine how frustrating these factors must be. A suggestion would be to implement wood-effect or plain matt vinyl flooring, which is non slip and avoids light reflection.

Contrasting colours

According to Alzheimer’s UK “the colour of the floor, particularly on stairs, should contrast with the walls. It may be best to avoid floor colours that might be confused with real things, such as blue looking like water or green looking like grass.”

A lot of dementia patients have visual problems which means they will need help identifying different areas. Fortunately, vinyl flooring can come in a variety of different colours and styles, by contrasting your floor against your furniture and walls, it will become easier for your patient to identify which area they are in. It’s often effective if the flooring across the house is consistent, if the floor in one room is a darker colour of instance, they might think there’s a step or hole there, leading to unsteadiness.

Which vinyl flooring is available?

Vinyl is an extremely popular floor and wall covering which comes in many different varieties, bringing their own benefits for dementia patients.

  • Smooth Vinyl provides an attractive, impervious finish which is very durable and often colourful.
  • Safety Vinyl is usually used in wet areas such as bathrooms or kitchens, this has the added benefit of being slip resistant.
  • Luxury Vinyl Tiles differ from standard vinyl because it can closely mimic natural materials such as stone or wood.

How can we help?

We are experts in knowing which flooring suits individual circumstances, so if you need more advice on which flooring to choose for dementia patients, then get in touch! Our friendly team will be happy to point you in the right direction.