“Before, every amenity space looked the same. So, I tried to make each space unique, and I think we were successful with that,” she said.
One significant change was the flooring. The other locations had used porcelain tiles in the town center and in many amenity areas, but Alvarado was concerned that the grout lines and transitions from hard to soft surfaces could pose a tripping hazard for patients with walkers and similar devices. So, Alvarado chose Interface’s LVT. “When my Interface rep presented the LVT with the same thickness as the carpet tile, it was a no brainer,” she said. “MemCare was excited about it as well because obviously, patient safety is a priority for them. In fact, they’re looking at renovating the first two facilities with Interface as well.”
Alvarado also used different styles of Interface LVT and carpet tile throughout the spaces, including a stone look LVT for dining areas and a warmer wood color in resident rooms. Each area is meant to be beautiful and distinct, but the town center is by far the biggest hit. “People have said what makes this whole town center is the floor. It really stands out,” said Julie Taylor, The Memory Center Atlanta’s executive director. And, unlike traditional hard floors, the acoustics with Interface’s LVT haven’t been an issue. “Everyone has been able to hear with every entertainer we’ve had. We have little kids come sing and it works well,” she said.