Multidisciplinary Assessment of Resilient Floorings in Elderly Care Homes: a Concept Pilot Study

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this paper is to present the alternative of novel compliant flooring (NCF) derived from a multidisciplinary evaluation of a pilot building in Barcelona (Spain). This approach aims to consider both the objective and subjective factors considered by the entire care community during implementation. Theoretical Framework: In conventional residential buildings dedicated to the long-term care of the elderly, stiff, shiny and slippery floors often predominate as a feature of the flooring heritage of these buildings. Today's building standards call for floors that are less slippery and with greater capacity to absorb the shock of the human body against the floor in the event of a fall. Given the usual constraints of cost and duration of refurbishment building works, the alternative chosen is often to overlay the current flooring with a resilient material with novel compliant flooring (NCF) properties. This decision, usually made by the technical building team, is relevant to the whole care community and should be shared with both care and maintenance staff and elderly residents. Method: The mixed methodological approach combines document and clinic analysis from architectural and podiatric experts respectively, surveys, semi-structured interviews and focus groups with stakeholders: residents, care professionals and technicians. Results and Discussion: The results indicate that the necessary consensus among the various groups surveyed requires the installation of flooring that offers a balance between appearance, maintenance, movement, and safety, but without reaching an optimal value in any of these aspects. Research Implications: All the actors involved assess resilient flooring more positively than the current hard flooring. However, the final choice between resilient experimental pavements differs according to actors and users. Originality/Value: This study contributes to providing a holistic view of a physical element such as the floor of a residence for the elderly. The relevance is not only to highlight the physical potential of the new material, but also to underline the importance of taking into consideration those elements that influence the care task as well as the perceptions that the materials themselves produce in the residents.