Achieving this means that Sam will not see any change in the flooring colour from the bedroom into the bathroom, they will not notice the strip connecting the two flooring finishes and will therefore not attempt to try and step over anything or elongate their gait at the point of transition.
When selecting a carpet range look for the light reflectance values pr LRV of the colour. Manufacturers always offer a range of carpet colours, which means that finding other suitable finishes like joining strips and wet room flooring can be achieved, all within a beautifully designed interior.
MAINTAINING MOBILITY Sam uses a walking aid as their deteriorating eyesight and hearing have made them a little uneasy on their feet. This means that Sam needs to be able to push their walking aid and shuffle their feet with ease to ensure they can maintain their independence and move around their home.
Carpets should be constructed so they can be used with walking aids and wheelchairs. The pile height of ranges combined with integral foam backings are sufficient to add that comfortable underfoot feeling but also allow for wheeled traffic, such as Sam's walking frame, to be pushed along and for shuffling movements.
A SOUND ENVIRONMENT Sam has difficulty filtering sound these days, which means they can hear the TV in the communal lounge, Sid chatting to them about their favourite TV programme, members of staff talking in the office opposite, in addition to the builders outside resurfacing the pavement.
This causes Sam much confusion so they decide to return to their room for a bit of peace and quiet. This is why acoustics
and managing noise reverberation and impact levels are so important. If the noise and echoing sounds could have been reduced Sam and Sid could have chatted about their favourite programme for some time.
Carpet has outstanding sound absorption properties. This means it won't only reduce sound waves bouncing around a room but will also stop sound escaping to floors underneath and reduce sounds entering a room from below, creating more acoustically sound rooms, allowing for conversations to flow and for rest and relaxation to be achieved. A sound that affects the ears can also affect balance which means acoustically sound environments will increase confidence in navigating an internal space and could reduce trips and falls.
COSY HOME FROM HOME FEELING Within the UK carpet can be found in many homes and Sam used to have carpets throughout their own home. Plus, Sam now feels the cold so keeping a room well insulated, as well as feeling and looking warm, is essential for Sam's comfort.
Carpet is a natural insulator, keeping the warmth in and the cold out. Not only does the carpet look warmer but it will increase the warmth of the room. When Sam steps out of bed they will feel warmth underfoot, plus where carpeted the care home will feel warmer and encourage movement and socialisation.
There are many other additional design features of carpets that help address inclusive design principles including reducing injuries from trips and falls, assisting with infection control, cleaning and maintenance, in addition to comfort when standing for long periods making the environment inclusive for those that work there too.
www.danfloor.co.uk/sectors/healthcare
“Considering
inclusive design at the earliest stage
possible will ensure everyone's needs are being met.”
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