“Between 1996 and 2016, … the proportion of people aged 65 years and over increased from 12.0% to 15.3% and the proportion of people aged 85 years and over almost doubled from 1.1% of the total population in 1996 to 2.0% in 2016.” — Australian Bureau of Statistics
“Between 1901 and 1951, the number of New Zealanders aged 65 years and over increased almost six-fold, from 31,000 to 177,000. Over the next 48 years, it grew by another 151% to reach 446,000 in 1999. This was much faster than for the rest of the population.” — Statistics New Zealand
These statistics show why aged care construction is dramatically increasing. There are challenges involved, and we want to empower you to take action now and make a difference!
Healthcare and aged care institutions offer some specific challenges for the concrete floor slabs. Bodily fluids pose a significant risk, as they can readily seep through carpet, or vinyl joints, and work their way into the porosity of the concrete. Once there, they are impossible to permanently remove.
You’ve smelt that musty and regrettable odour of older aged care homes? It is typically caused by bacterial growth in the floor slabs, and the only way to deal with it effectively is to remove the slab. Not a practical option in most cases.
In Australasia, one result of the increase in aged care institutions is an improvement of the general quality of new facilities, as compared to facilities from the ’70s and ’80s which are still doing service. Competition has become sterner, and aged care providers have stepped up to the mark with improved lifestyle choices. It’s unthinkable that these higher-quality residences should be marred in the mid-to-long term by unremovable ambient odours. What sort of legacy will be left by the decisions of the design and construction teams?
Can the concrete be protected?
Advanced and effective protection can be found by using penetrating hydrogel treatments. These internally seal the porosity of the concrete, preventing the entrance of contaminants, and immobilising moisture and vapour movement within the concrete. This provides the reassurance of permanent protection for the concrete.
Hydrogels do not support bacterial growth, are nil VOC, water-based, and environmentally friendly.
No bacteria in the porosity of the concrete = no bacterial odour.
Markham has the advanced solution – AQURON 2000 Medi+, an enhanced penetrating hydrogel. This provides the ultimate sub-floor hygiene for concrete floors in aged care and healthcare!
If you’re involved with the design or construction of aged care facilities and retirement independent living units, get in touch today!
BONUS! Make residential unit slabs pet friendly using the same technology!
