New Zealanders are living longer and the need for aged care living is growing. When a person or couple is moved into an aged care facility, the focus is on encouraging independence and preserving dignity. Statistics show that in the next 20 years New Zealand’s population of people aged 65+ is going to double to more than 1,200,000. An implication of this enormous growth is increased pressure on the availability of accommodation provided by healthcare providers in the area of aged care.

An area of significant importance in aged care facilities is safety flooring and how essential it is in creating secure and hygienic surroundings, encouraging an uplifting environment and having a positive impact on all that use the space. Polysafe Verona is a solution offered in this area and was designed to create a safe yet attractive interior, combining subtle pastel shades mixed with stronger accent hues and safety aggregates which are virtually invisible to the eye.

Polysafe Verona is one of 10 ranges in Polyflor's safety vinyl, and was developed to meet the requirements of those living with dementia, and is intended to promote harmony and wellbeing through the creation of ‘a sense of calm’. This is of great importance to the residents and their families — a fact which is supported by the in-depth research by the Dementia Services Development Centre (DSDC) at the University of Stirling. Generating a harmonious feel is equally important whether in a residential care setting or within a person’s home to support independent living.

The Polysafe Verona collection features a contemporary decoration in a selection of tonal hues optimised for specification within dementia-friendly design schemes. With a uniform appearance and matt surface finish, the collection is perfectly suited for installation within a wide range of commercial and residential environments to ensure the underfoot safety of occupants.

Specifically designed for multi-use spaces where there is an increased risk of slip or a heavy commercial use area classification, Polysafe Verona is suitable for demanding, high traffic environments. This means both residents and medical professionals can have confidence that their floor covering provides sustainable wet slip resistance offering protection against slips, trips and falls.

Aged care facilities, residences and their families need to be sure that all aspects of the unit including flooring that is being occupied, offers information such as slip ratings that remain throughout the guaranteed life of the product. Polysafe Verona offers this solution of underfoot safety and a product lifetime warranty for peace of mind.