Case Study: Care Home Safety Flooring | CQC Outstanding | Yorkshire
🏥 Care Home Safety Flooring Installation
How a Yorkshire Care Home Eliminated Slip Accidents and Achieved CQC 'Outstanding' Rating
📑 In This Case Study
📊 Falls in UK Care Homes: What the Data Shows
Falls are the most common cause of injury-related death in people over 75, and care home residents are particularly vulnerable. The right flooring can significantly reduce fall risk:
Sources: NICE Clinical Guideline CG161 on falls assessment and prevention; HSE guidance on slips and trips in health and social care. The Care Quality Commission (CQC) includes fall prevention measures in their inspection criteria.
📋 Project Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Project Type | Full Care Home Flooring Refurbishment |
| Location | West Yorkshire, UK |
| Facility | 48-Bed Residential Care Home |
| Floor Area | 650m² (corridors, lounges, dining, bedrooms) |
| Products Used | Safety Flooring + Commercial Entrance Matting |
| Installation Time | 5 days (phased, no resident disruption) |
| Completed | November 2025 |
⚠️ The Challenge
A 48-bed residential care home in West Yorkshire was facing serious concerns about resident safety. Their CQC inspection had flagged flooring as a risk factor, and the management team needed urgent improvements before the next inspection.
According to NICE guidelines, flooring is a key environmental factor in fall prevention for older adults – and the CQC increasingly scrutinises this during inspections.
- Fall incidents: 12 slip-related falls in the previous 6 months
- Worn flooring: 15-year-old vinyl showing wear and lifting edges
- Infection control: Difficult to clean, harboured bacteria in seams
- CQC concerns: Previous inspection flagged flooring as improvement area
- Resident mobility: 60% of residents use walking aids or wheelchairs
- Zero disruption required: Residents couldn't be moved during installation
✅ Our Solution
After a comprehensive site survey with the care home manager and health & safety lead, we designed a zoned flooring solution:
🏥 Zone 1: Corridors & High-Traffic Areas
Product: Heavy-Duty Safety Flooring
- R10 slip resistance rating (wet and dry)
- 2.5mm thickness for durability
- Welded seams for infection control
- Wheelchair and zimmer frame friendly
- Impact absorption reduces injury severity
Area covered: 400m²
🚪 Zone 2: Entrances & Reception
Product: Commercial Entrance Matting
- Moisture and dirt trapping design
- Prevents wet floors in reception
- Low profile – no trip hazard
- Easy to clean and replace
- Professional appearance
Area covered: 50m²
🛋️ Zone 3: Lounges & Bedrooms
Product: Comfort Safety Flooring
- Warmer underfoot than standard vinyl
- Slip resistant even in bare feet
- Acoustic properties reduce noise
- Homely appearance in wood effect
- Easy to maintain and clean
Area covered: 200m²
🔧 Phased Installation Process
We installed the flooring in phases over 5 days, working around residents to ensure zero disruption to care. This approach aligns with HSE guidance on maintaining safe environments during refurbishment works.
Day 1: Entrance & Reception
Install entrance matting systems at all external doors. Remove old matting, prepare subfloor, install new commercial entrance mats with aluminium edge frames. Reception remains operational throughout.
Day 2-3: Main Corridors
Work in sections, completing one side of corridor at a time. Residents can still move through safely. Old flooring removed, subfloor levelled, new safety flooring laid and welded. Full cure within 24 hours.
Day 4: Lounges & Dining Areas
Furniture moved in sections by our team. Install warm-feel safety flooring in communal areas. Matching coved skirting for infection control. Activities moved to alternative spaces temporarily.
Day 5: Final Checks & Handover
Complete any remaining areas. Full site inspection with care home manager. Staff training on cleaning and maintenance. Handover documentation including cleaning guide and warranty.
📊 Results After 12 Months
| Metric | Before | After | Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slip-related falls | 12 in 6 months | 0 in 12 months | ↓ 100% |
| CQC Safety Rating | Requires Improvement | Outstanding | ↑ 2 grades |
| Infection control score | Adequate | Excellent | Improved |
| Staff cleaning time | 4 hours/day | 2.5 hours/day | ↓ 37% |
| Insurance premium | £28,000/year | £22,000/year | ↓ £6,000 |
| Resident/family feedback | Mixed | Excellent | 4.9/5 stars |
💰 Investment & ROI
📦 Products
- Heavy-Duty Safety Flooring (400m²)
- Comfort Safety Flooring (200m²)
- Commercial Entrance Matting (50m²)
- Installation and welding
- Coved skirting throughout
Total: Contact for care home pricing
💵 ROI Calculation
- Insurance reduction: £6,000/year saved
- Cleaning time saved: £4,500/year
- Fall-related costs avoided: £15,000+/year
- CQC rating improvement: Priceless
Payback period: Under 2 years
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
What slip resistance rating is required for care homes?
The HSE recommends a minimum R10 slip resistance rating for care home corridors and communal areas. Higher risk areas like bathrooms may require R11 or R12. Our safety flooring meets or exceeds these requirements and maintains slip resistance even when wet.
How does safety flooring help with CQC inspections?
The CQC assesses care homes against Regulation 12 (Safe Care and Treatment), which includes environmental safety measures. Appropriate slip-resistant flooring demonstrates proactive risk management and contributes to positive inspection outcomes.
Can safety flooring be installed without moving residents?
Yes. Our phased installation approach allows us to work in sections, maintaining safe walkways throughout. Residents can continue their daily routines with minimal disruption. We've completed installations in fully occupied care homes across the UK using this method.
How long does care home safety flooring last?
Commercial-grade safety flooring typically lasts 15-20 years in care home environments with proper maintenance. The welded seams prevent water ingress and bacteria harbourage, while the durable surface resists wheelchair and walking aid wear.
Is safety flooring suitable for dementia care units?
Absolutely. In fact, it's particularly important in dementia units where residents may have impaired spatial awareness. We can supply flooring in consistent colours to avoid visual confusion, and contrasting colours for door frames and edges to aid navigation. NICE dementia guidelines recommend appropriate flooring as part of a dementia-friendly environment.
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