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Some of you know my FIL is 89 now. He lives alone in his own home that he has owned for 30 years. My MIL passed away from Alzheimers 7 years ago. She had been sick for 8 years prior.
In other words, the home has not had a good cleaning for close to 15 years. Some of you can relate. His sister (now 90) has come down again for a month. She is wonderful.
We only have a short window of time b/c he's happy she's here and he'll agree to some things that sometimes he won't otherwise. (I have hired a cleaning crew for today - that is a positive).
He has 30 year old orange heavy shag carpet in the living room and small dining area. The carpet and what is under it smells very bad. He has spilled food/drinks on the carpet over the years and we have gotten nowhere.
Anyway, one of his nicer neighbors went over and told me we should replace the carpet and he may be open to it.
Question: Wood flooring instead of carpet? Industrial type carpet?
Tile? Any other ideas?
What is best for walking as you get older? My home is almost 100% tile and wood flooring so I gave up on the carpet years ago and I love it but that may not work for everyone.
The home is only 1400 SF - the 2 areas I am talking about maybe total 450 SF so we'll put out the money if we have to.
Given his age, I'd recommend some form of low-nap carpeting. It's easier to walk on, provides better traction, would cushion possible falls, is quieter and warmer under foot. If treated against stains and cleaned approximately every six months it can be kept/made reasonably hygenic.
Several of the new homes in my neighborhood have used vinyl sheeting for the hall, kitchen, great room, dining rooms, etc. I am very impressed by its selections, looks, durability, and softness.
That said, depending on cost I would say vinyl sheeting or low pile/berber commercial grade carpet. You do not want to spend much money as who knows what the next buyer will want.
The berber with thick padding probably is the best way - more of an industrial type carpet.
I'm not familiar with vinyl sheeting. The kitchen has the ugliest floor I've ever seen - also not changed in 30 years!
If/when something happens to him, we're gutting the house. We would maybe get $50K for it in a neighborhood of $120K plus homes. It's not in good condition.
We'll keep it and rent it out. It will be a good rental and we're fine with that.
(We are hoping he'll be around for a while!! He's only 89.)
Good suggestions - thanks to all!! Calling my flooring guy and setting it up.
Given his age, I'd recommend some form of low-nap carpeting. It's easier to walk on, provides better traction, would cushion possible falls, is quieter and warmer under foot. If treated against stains and cleaned approximately every six months it can be kept/made reasonably hygenic.
I had to laugh about the 6 months. So funny. We'll be lucky to get it cleaned in the next 5 years!! LOL.
Remember the thread about the clothes. I can relate to that one.
PS - I have been staying out of things myself (I am the only DIL) - my husband is the only child - I don't live like my FIL does - if I can't do something, I get it done by someone - and if my dear MIL were alive, she would be horrified at the condition of the home that she loved so much. (That's where I'm coming from).
You won't find much carpeting in the living areas of a nursing home and there is a reason for that. Go out to an upscale elder care facility near your home and look around and get some ideas.
Bette...I think it depends somewhat on your FIL's ability to walk. I just came from my parents' house, where my soon-to-be 89 year old mother had fallen on their ceramic tile floor in early September. No one took her to the doctor for over a week. While I was there, we took her for an MRI and she had broken two vertebra in her lower back. Meanwhile...Dad trips on rugs all over the house, but stubbornly refuses to let anyone remove them. Personally...that's the one thing I would make sure you don't have around your FIL...rugs.
We just have wood floors and tile in our home; our office does have industrial type carpeting though.
I have never had linoleum in my homes - always tile - but it is something to consider for sure.
I think the low grade berber or commercial carpet is going to the one. His sister will be so delighted and I'm just trying to ride this moment of happiness that he is going through right now. He's just been lonely since she left - it's been almost 6 months and that's the longest ever.
Once that window of opportunity shuts, that's it until the next wave.
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Great ideas - thanks!!
