As we age, our bodies and capabilities change. Senior citizens or people with mobility issues often find themselves prone to accidents, particularly falls. Unfortunately, unintentional falls can cause severe injuries, and it can be challenging for the elderly to recover quickly. However, there are ways to reduce the risk of falls and injury. Adding safety modifications such as grab bars or safety rails is a standard practice. Still, another overlooked option is the use of thick rugs in areas that are out of reach from grab bars or safety rails. In this blog post, we’ll discuss how thick rugs can be a valuable addition to your home safety modifications.
Cushioned Landing to Minimize Impact
When elderly people or those with limited mobility lose their balance or fall, their reflexes often miss a step, and they can land hard on the ground. If there’s no cushioning surface underneath, it can lead to severe injuries. Thick rugs can dissipate the impact of the fall, which can help reduce the force of the injury. The added cushioning from thick rugs can potentially save seniors from broken bones, fractures, or other severe injuries.
Increases Traction
Slippery floors and irregular surfaces can often cause falls. It is especially a concern for the elderly as their reflexes are slower. While grab bars and safety rails are effective mediums to support them, adding thick rugs in areas around the home can increase traction. Modern rugs with anti-slippery surfaces prevent the rugs from shifting or sliding, reducing the likelihood of accidental falls.
Provides Comfort
Seniors need an environment that’s comfortable and cozy. Since mobility can be a challenge, they spend most of their time sitting, standing, or lying down. Thick rugs can provide a cushioned surface for them to rest their feet, calves, and other body parts, providing a comfortable surface for them to relax.
Cost-effective
Installing grab bars or safety rails is often costly, whereas adding thick rugs in well-selected places that require it won’t break the bank. Rugs are available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and sizes, allowing you to choose a rug that complements your home decor. Rugs come in different price ranges, making it easier for people to accommodate any budget.
Lower Maintenance
Carpets often require maintenance and cleaning, which can be costly and time-consuming. Thick rugs, on the other hand, are less taxing. They require vacuuming to keep them neat, and since they are used in areas that are out of reach of the main thoroughfare of home traffic, they are less susceptible to wear and tear.
Making a home a safe haven is crucial, and it’s not just installing grab bars or safety rails that can offer security to seniors or people with mobility issues. By adding thick rugs in places like the bedroom, living room, or dining area, you can create a comfortable environment that provides cushion support and helps prevent accidental falls. Additionally, thick rugs can be useful where the installation of grab bars or safety rails is difficult. It’s a straightforward solution that comes in different styles, shapes, and sizes. You can purchase a thick rug as per your preference that complements your decor, and it won’t break the bank.