CARE HOMES
OH SO QUIET
Dave Ford, specifications manager for the North at Altro, explains how acoustic flooring can reduce noise, improve communication and help create calmer, healthier care environments without compromising on hygiene, durability or design.
Control of noise is particularly important in care homes, to aid recovery from illness and to promote day-to-day wellbeing of residents. Poor acoustic performance of the care home can also have profound social, physical and psychological effects on residents with hearing impairment. Noise levels from people and noise pollution from equipment and devices reverberate over sound-reflecting hard surfaces, extend over distances and linger; consequently, they can have a serious impact on the wellbeing of everyone.
Action on Hearing Loss state that there are approximately 11 million people with hearing loss across the UK (one in six of the population) and 71% of people over the age of 70 suffer from age-related hearing impairment (presbycusis). This impacts on the resident’s ability to engage effectively with staff, visitors and others sharing their environment, and can lead to problems with communication, social isolation, confusion and the safeguarding of privacy. Saint-Gobain Ecophon estimate that age-related hearing loss leads to communication problems for approximately 37% of people between the ages of 61 and 70, and becomes an increasing problem as we age, with around 60% of people aged 71 to 80 experiencing difficulties with communication as a result of age-related hearing impairment.
Trying to understand in noisy situations, where background sound reduces intelligibility of speech, can leave a hearing-impaired person confused or frustrated. This is particularly the case for residents with dementia, who need additional support to help them interpret and navigate their surroundings. Those with hearing aids may find that background noise reduces the effectiveness of their devices, and Action for Hearing Loss stresses that speech intelligibility can be particularly challenging for those for whom English is not a first language. Inclusivity is, of course, crucial under the Equality Act 2010, which states that buildings should not disadvantage occupants irrespective of their age or abilities.
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Acoustic flooring generally refers to flooring that helps provide sound insulation, thus dampening the effects of sound from within the room, be it airborne noise or impact noise. Acoustic flooring is different from soundproof underlay or flooring, which is designed to reduce sound coming through the floor from adjoining areas.
With a range of vinyl flooring that has sound-dampening properties, you can find Altro products that will serve your needs in more ways than one. With different levels of sound reduction, you can tailor your project to its exact specifications. We’ve collaborated with associations including Care England, Design in Mental Health and the University of Stirling’s renowned Dementia Services Development Centre and worked with them to develop total solutions for the care home sector.
So, where can acoustic floors be used to best effect? In care homes, you can improve the chances of residents sleeping well and not disturbing each other by incorporating sound reducing flooring into your corridors and bedrooms. They are also beneficial in visitor lounges, to enhance that sense of privacy. The right floor can reduce impact sound transmission not just into adjoining rooms but also to other storeys.
˝Around 71% of people aged
over 70 experience age-related hearing loss, making acoustic
performance a key consideration in care environments.˝
www.tomorrowscontractfloors.co.uk
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