Carpet Basics

While there is no elder care class entitled “carpet basics,” there are some facts – albeit little known to the general public – that explain why this flooring choice is so appealing to senior citizens and also their caregivers. Many institutions are becoming more open to using this flooring choice, especially in light of the new kinds of coatings that make carpets more resistant to stains. The latter accounts for the fact that up until recently linoleum was the floor of choice in any care facility – yet the numerous benefits that carpets are now promising to those being care for are causing administrators to rethink their choices. Take for example the most obvious appeal this floor choice offers: peace and quiet. The noise reduction that a properly installed carpet offers is impressive.

Institutions catering to seniors, such as assisted living communities and also rest homes have long since used this aspect of carpet basics to their advantage. Even though per square foot there are a large number of individuals within the facility at each given moment, the sound is so muted that the residents will be able to enjoy peace and quiet and not be upset by family members visiting other patients or staff members walking the hallways.

Yet did you know that when it comes to carpet basics, color is just as important? Sure, you might head for the tried and true muted beiges and other neutral colors, but considering the fact that psychological studies time and again evidence the effectiveness of colors for people to either feel hungry, rested, refreshed, anxious, or hastened, and it is not surprising that instead of neutral colors, many senior citizen apartment feature green, blue, mauve, and peach tones for their soothing effects, while avoiding reds for the nervousness it may create and yellows for the anxiety it is said to generate.

Finishing up this brief study of carpet basics, it is amazing that so often those who are not in the shoes of seniors fail to recognize how simple carpet basics can not only increase the wellbeing of the senior citizen, but also contribute to a physical wellbeing. Carpets provide insulation, which helps those who live in drafty homes or areas prone to severe or rapid climate changes with the added warmth they need to remain comfortable. Considering that many seniors complain of joint pains and aches, it is somewhat surprising that so many have not yet made the connection between a high quality carpet and the warmth this floor covering offers to the foot area of an affected person.