Among older adults, falls are a serious public health problem. In the United States, one out of every three persons over the age of 65 falls each year, and two-thirds of those people who fall do so again within six months.
Among people age 65 and older, falls are the leading cause of injury deaths and serious injuries. About 9,600 older adults died in 1998 from fall related injuries. Among seniors with osteoporosis, falls can cause devastating injuries such as hip fractures (75%-80% of hip fractures are sustained by women). Half of all older adults who are hospitalized for a hip fracture cannot return home or live independently after their injuries.
Source: US CDC
Hand scrapped wooden floors come in various types and are often used in applications where the user wants a rustic "old world" look. Such floors hide minor scuffs and scratches very well and provide a high level of slip resistance. However, it is important that you maintain such floors as to not leave a slippery film. Caution should be used as to use of oil-based polishes which may improve the appearance of the floor but at the expense of safety.
Posted by: Russ | December 16, 2011 at 05:10 PM
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Posted by: Slip and Fall Attorneys Hollywood | May 17, 2011 at 05:24 AM
How do hand scraped wood flooring measure for both safety and solid surface for walkers?
How does cottonwood hold up to wheelchair abuse? In a subtropical high humidity environment, how well does it stand up to mold?
Interested in a sustainable low voc, mold resistant, high impact, nonslip finish for wheelchair, walker use. Many prefinished floating floors are very slippery, especially for seniors. Red birch, poplar(cherry like grain), cottonwood, black oak &lyptus are selected wood choices for their hrdness, sustainability & pink/brown grain. Need recommendations for high traction engineered floating floor, prefinished w/low slippage or an approved non yellowing, fast drying product that can be applied ovr existing finish as a preventative slip fall traction value. Ideas welcome!
Posted by: S.E.A. | November 24, 2009 at 09:49 AM