Australia’s ageing population is on the rise, and its fuelling demand for facilities that cater to the elderly.
Between 30 June 1993 and 30 June 2013 the proportion of people aged 65 years and over increased from 11.6 percent to 14.4 percent[1], and the figure is expected to only increase over the coming decades.
It is therefore important that those who design aged care facilities, health care providers and the relevant government departments ensure these environments strike a balance between comfort and safety.
Far from resembling the sterile, uninviting spaces of yesteryear, most modern aged care facilities are in tune with residents’ desire for warm and welcoming environments where noise is kept to a minimum.
While their mental and emotional wellbeing is of utmost importance, it is also vital that building materials and furnishings account for residents’ physical safety.
Falls on the same level as a result of slipping, tripping and stumbling among people aged over 65 years is the most common cause of hospitalised injury, and 70 percent of falls are said to take place at the person’s place of residence, whether it be a private dwelling or an aged care facility[2].
These falls can cause serious injury and in some situations they can be fatal[3], which highlights the need for safe flooring materials that effectively prevent or reduce the incidence of falls, as well as the seriousness of such falls.
In addition, materials and furnishings need to be carefully sourced based on their hygienic properties.
The Kradal tile, available through Charles Parsons, addresses the key issues facing the aged care industry around ensuring the emotional, mental and physical needs of the elderly are met.
By virtue of its impact absorbent design, where tiny cells of air are contained within a cushioned, yet firm and durable patented polyurethane technology, the Kradal tile improves the shock resistance of surfaces and minimises noise.
Clinical studies at a Swedish aged care facility reveal the Kradal tile can effectively reduce the incidence and seriousness of falls.
The study found a total of 22 falls and no serious injuries occurred on the impact absorbent flooring, meanwhile over the same period 231 falls and six fractures were reported on the standard flooring, which was in use elsewhere in the same facility.
The same study also indicates the Kradal tile effectively reduces acoustic disturbances within aged care facilities, contributing to a more peaceful environment for both residents and staff.
The tiles are easy to clean, and they are treated with antimicrobial agent Healthguard, which helps to prevent the growth of yeasts, moulds, algae and bacteria, ensuring the elderly are protected from the illnesses they can cause.
Charles Parsons provides an end-to-end solution that goes above and beyond the supply of the Kradal tile – the company will refer clients to qualified approved installers, as well as installers and manufacturers of complementary soft furnishings.
These include acoustic wall coverings and panels, which can reduce sound reverberation within a room by up to 80 percent, as well as soft furnishings from Charles Parsons’ Cosmos collection, which are woven with a flame retardant polyester yarn known as Zeroxy.
To find out more about how Charles Parsons can help, download the free whitepaper here.
[1] Australian Bureau of Statistics, Population by age and sex, Australia, states and territories, June 2013 http://www.abs.gov.au/ausstats/[email protected]/0/1CD2B1952AFC5E7ACA257298000F2E76?OpenDocument
[2] Clare Bradley, Hospitalisations Due To Falls by Older People, Australia, Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, 2013
[3] Joan Ozanne-Smith et al, Relationship Between Slips, Trips and Falls and the Design and Construction of Buildings, Accident Research Centre, Monash University, 2008.
