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The single-level open-plan design of this space and R11 Grainstone tiles on the floor, make it easy and safe for seniors to move around in. 

Did you know that in Singapore, falls are the most common cause of injury for senior adults? About one in three Singaporeans aged 60 and above have recurring falls, according to the Health Promotion Board Singapore. Many falls occur at home, and safety hazards at home such as slippery flooring, clutter, poor lighting and loose mats contribute to the risk of falling. This is in addition to possible health issues of the elderly such as muscle weakness, poor vision and balance, or drowsiness due to medication. Young adults can usually recover easily from a fall, but the elderly might suffer more serious injuries, such as hip fractures, that might even be fatal. It’s crucial then, to elder-proof the home to make their spaces safe. Choosing the right flooring is an extremely important part of the process, especially in the kitchen and bathroom where falls commonly occur due to wet or greasy surfaces. Read on to find out how tiles make spaces safe for the elderly.

1. Tiles come with anti-slip properties

Tiles with a resistance level of at least R11, such as the Grainstone tiles pictured, are recommended in bathrooms as they have a rougher texture to reduce the risk of falls when the floor is wet.

Tiles come in a range of resistance levels, ranging from R9 to R12. The higher the number, the greater the slip resistance as the surface of the tile is rougher. As a rule of thumb, R9 tiles are suggested for living rooms and bedrooms, and R10 and above for bathrooms and kitchens. In wet areas such as the shower and outdoor areas, R11 and R12 tiles are recommended. For a small bathroom that does not have an enclosed shower area, choose tiles with a minimum of R11 slip resistance. Enhance safety in the bathroom with fixtures such as grab bars and seats in the shower area.

2. Tiles can have anti-microbial qualities

Timber-inspired tiles such as the Borealis collection pictured are popular for use in the home, and even in the bathrooms as they have non-slip qualities with a R11 resistance level.

Create a healthy environment safe from germs with tiles that have integrated anti-microbial qualities. For example, the Panaria PROTECT range which is integrated with technology that eliminates up to 99.9% of micro-organisms on contact, preventing the growth of mould and odours in damp environments such as the bathroom. A bacteria-free environment is also of paramount important in the kitchen where food is prepared and consumed. 

3. Tiles are easy to maintain

Even white tiles such as these from the Medley collection are easy to maintain as tiles are water-resistant and require just a wipe to clean. The Medley tiles also come in a R11 resistance level.

The water-resistant and durable qualities of tiles make them a breeze to clean, compared to materials such as natural stone or timber which tend to be more porous. For everyday cleaning of tiled surfaces, a wipe with cloth dampened with water or with a gentle soap solution will suffice, making spaces easy for seniors to maintain by themselves. Organic materials, which tend to be more porous, traps dirt more easily and might require specialised cleaning methods or equipment.

4. Tiles come in a wide range of designs 

The terrazzo-inspired Medley collection takes terrazzo to new levels of design with oversized fragments and trendy hues such as dusty blue, green and pink.

Besides being functional, tiles come with immense design potential as well! While natural marble is porous, a challenge to clean and expensive, marble-inspired tiles can provide the luxury of the material without the aforementioned challenges. Timber surfaces create cosy, comforting and familiar spaces. With timber-inspired tiles, seniors can choose from a huge selection of designs that can be used in the kitchen and shower if they have the appropriate slip resistance.

RICE is honoured to have provided our tiles to the healthcare industry, which are used in projects such as nursing homes and hospitals in Singapore. Explore our large range of R11 anti-slip tiles and tiles with anti-bacterial protection on the Materials tab of our website by using the relevant filters.

Visits to riceLAB are strictly by appointment only. To minimise their time spent at riceLAB, we encourage guests to make their tile selections online at www.rice-fields.com before coming down. Make an appointment by emailing us here or by calling 66921199. riceLAB is at 213 Henderson Road 01.03 Singapore 159553. RICE is open from Mondays to Saturdays from 9am to 6pm.

Make your tile choices even more sustainable! Look for tiles certified by the Singapore Green Building Council and Singapore Green Labelling Scheme on our website, using the filter Singapore Green Labels on the Materials tab.

Keywords
elder-friendly, anti-slip tiles, bathroom, kitchen, anti-bacterial, Grainstone, Borealis, Medley, PROTECT