LONG-TERM CARE FACILITIES: BUILDING THE FUTURE OF CARE FROM THE FLOOR UP
Canada’s population is aging at a rapid pace, with the number of people aged 85 and older projected to double by 2040 and potentially triple by 2050. By 2031, more than 600,000 Canadians will require long-term care—up from 380,000 in 2019—representing a 59% increase in just over a decade. This demographic shift will place significant pressure on long-term care systems, creating a growing need for facilities that not only meet residents’ physical needs but also ensure safe, hygienic, and comfortable living environments.
While many elements contribute to resident wellbeing, flooring plays a foundational role. Seamless (liquid applied) resinous flooring systems offer durable, easy-to-maintain solutions that can be tailored to the unique needs of long-term care environments.
Why Seamless Flooring Is Ideal
Durability
Seamless resin floors are designed to handle high foot traffic, wheelchairs, rolling medical equipment, and ongoing cleaning without deteriorating. Unlike tiles or linoleum, they resist cracking, chipping, and lifting—making them safer and longer-lasting.
Hygiene
Liquid-applied resin provides a non-porous, joint-free, and seamless finish that is anti-bacterial, prevents mold growth, and blocks moisture penetration. These properties support infection control protocols while making cleaning easier and more effective.
Safety
The Public Health Agency of Canada reports that falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among adults aged 65 and older, representing 88.6% of all injuries in this age group. Seamless flooring can be designed with slip-resistant textures to help minimize the risk of slips and falls, even in moisture-prone areas such as bathrooms and kitchens.
Aesthetics
Resinous floors can be customized in soothing colour palettes and natural finishes, contributing to a calm, home-like environment. Colour zoning and wayfinding cues can also assist residents with navigation and memory support.
Where Seamless Flooring Makes a Difference
Tailored flooring solutions enhance functionality across various areas of a long-term care facility:
Patient Rooms
Resilient flooring solutions offer comfort underfoot while maintaining the durability and hygiene standards of a healthcare setting.
Common Areas
Epoxy floors with slip-resistant finishes provide a safe, attractive surface for lobbies, lounges, and dining spaces.
Washrooms & Showers
Textured seamless resin surfaces reduce slip hazards in wet environments while resisting mold and water damage.
Kitchens & Laundry Rooms
Customized systems created to handle constant moisture, thermal shock, and heavy-duty cleaning without degradation.
Hallways & Corridors
Seamless, impact-resistant flooring holds up to constant foot and wheeled utility traffic, while helping to reduce noise.
Flooring for the Future of Care
As the number of older adults continues to increase globally, long-term care facilities must respond with innovative design approaches. Seamless flooring delivers a modern, reliable foundation that not only streamlines operations but also fosters safe, comfortable, and high-quality care for residents.
Whether you’re involved in the planning of a new build or renovating an existing long-term care home, flooring should be top of mind. Adding seamless resin flooring to your facilities is an easy way to improve hygiene, safety, durability, aesthetics, and design options.
When you partner with Stonhard we ensure professional installation, compliance with health standards, and will provide a long-lasting flooring solution that meets the growing demands of long-term care facilities. Visit our website to learn more stonhard.ca