Vinyl flooring helps protect the elderly from injury

A new type of thick vinyl flooring has been used to protect elderly patients in hospital.

BBC News reports that the 12-month 'HIP-HOP' - or Helping Injury Prevention in Hospitalised Older People - scheme has been carried out in parts of district hospitals in Harrogate and York.

As part of a research project by scientists working at the University of Portsmouth, the new memory foam-infused vinyl flooring will be compared to regular flooring to see if there is any benefit in terms of reducing injuries.

Amy Drahota of the establishment's school of health science and social work told the publication that elderly patients are at particular risk of falling when in hospital.

"If they do have a fall then shock absorbent flooring may help reduce the severity of their injuries and result in a swifter recovery and briefer stay in hospital," she said.

Earlier in the month, an Express and Star guide to flooring materials hailed engineered wood flooring for its durability and water resistance.
 

Date : 30/12/2010
Category: Vinyl flooring news