Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisation for Australians over 65. The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care estimates that one in three people over 65 fall each year. Flooring is one of several environmental factors that affects fall risk — and choosing the right surface, particularly in wet areas and transition zones, can make a meaningful difference.
Understanding slip resistance ratings
Flooring slip resistance is measured by the R-value (Ramp Test) system for pedestrian surfaces. Higher numbers mean more slip resistance:
- R9 — minimum for dry residential areas. Smooth surfaces.
- R10 — suitable for wet barefoot areas (bathrooms, laundries). Recommended minimum for residential with elderly residents.
- R11 — suitable for commercial wet areas and outdoor use.
For households with elderly residents, R10 is the recommended minimum for all hard floor surfaces — not just wet areas. The reason: elderly residents are more likely to be in socks on a hard floor, and the slip risk from a slightly wet floor (morning dew on a bathroom tile that extends to the hallway, for example) is higher than for younger adults.
Ask for the specific R-value when selecting any hard floor product for a home with elderly residents. If the retailer cannot provide this, ask for the manufacturer's specification sheet which should include it.
High-gloss finishes — avoid them
High-gloss floor finishes look attractive and make a floor appear larger and lighter. They are also the highest slip-risk finish available. A gloss SPC or tile surface in wet conditions is genuinely dangerous for elderly residents. Matt and satin finishes provide better slip resistance and are the appropriate specification for homes with older residents.
Transition zones and thresholds
Falls often happen at transitions between floor surfaces — from carpet to hard floor, from one room level to another, at thresholds. In homes with elderly residents, minimise level changes across floor transitions. Flush thresholds (no raised edge) are preferable to standard threshold strips. If a level change is unavoidable, ensure it is visually clear — contrasting colours help.
Comfort underfoot
Standing for extended periods on hard surfaces is more fatiguing for elderly residents than for younger adults. Hybrid SPC with a quality IXPE underlay provides meaningful comfort improvement over tile or polished concrete. For standing areas like kitchens, a quality anti-fatigue mat over hard flooring is a practical addition.
Maintenance considerations
Avoid floor surfaces that require waxing or polishing — these create slip risk if applied unevenly. Hybrid SPC requires only damp mopping and is consistently slip-rated throughout its life. Tile grout that has worn smooth loses its original slip resistance rating over time and should be inspected periodically.
Our Floor Finder captures household composition including elderly residents and incorporates slip resistance requirements into its specification.