Elderly people who live in bungalows could benefit from a concrete brush finish on any exposed floors in their home.

When moving from a cement floor - such as in a laundry room or pantry - on to a different surface, such as carpet, the risk of tripping and falling can be higher.

Sheila Merrill, home safety manager for England at the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, says this risk is substantial in terms of the total number of recorded incidents.

"Although the most serious falls for elderly people are on the stairs and steps, the majority of falls are happening on the same level or they are classed as unspecified," she explains.

On the same level, trips can occur simply due to stumbling, or when one type of flooring gives way to another, she says.

But with a concrete brush finish, a little extra grip could be given to exposed floors by ensuring their surface is not totally smooth - and accidents may be avoided as a result.

Posted by Jonathan Gordon