CareHomeDeskCareHomeDeskSlip resistance, transition strips, and the flooring specification that reduces falls risk.
Falls are the most common serious incident in care homes. Floor surface specification and maintenance is one of the controllable environmental factors. Flooring with insufficient slip resistance, excessive shine (causing glare), poor colour contrast at level changes, or poor condition (loose tiles, worn carpet) all increase falls risk.
Floor surfaces can be tested for slip resistance using a pendulum test to UK HSE guidance. The target is a pendulum test value (PTV) of 36 or above. Wet areas (bathrooms, kitchens, ensuites) require PTV 36+ when wet. This testing is particularly important before and after reflooring, and if there is an increase in slip-related incidents.
Flooring specification for residents living with dementia should avoid high-contrast patterns (can be perceived as steps or obstacles causing hesitation and falls), avoid high-shine finishes (glare causes distress), use consistent colour palettes across large areas to reduce confusion, and provide clear colour contrast at doorways and level changes to aid navigation.
Inspect all floor surfaces quarterly as a minimum. Report and promptly address loose tiles, fraying carpet edges, worn threshold strips, and any area of uneven surface. Use hazard tape or temporary barriers immediately when a defect is identified. Maintain a log of floor surface defects and remediation dates.
CareHomeDesk gives you compliance checklists, maintenance logs, and contractor management tools built around exactly this kind of knowledge.