The Wellwise™ Blog was created to provide aging Canadians, their families and caregivers, and healthcare providers with helpful resources that inspire, uplift, and educate. Explore a variety of articles focusing on health and wellness, mobility, fitness, home safety, financial resources, and much more!
Small changes can help make everyday bathroom routines feel safer, easier, and more comfortable. Explore practical ways to improve stability, accessibility, and confidence at home with thoughtful bathroom safety solutions.
Celebrate the grandparents and grandparent figures who mean so much with a gift chosen for the way they live. From everyday comfort and mobility to at-home essentials, discover thoughtful ideas from Wellwise®
Build a confident ostomy care routine, one step at a time. Explore practical guidance for skin preparation, pouch security, everyday support, and finding the right pouching system for your individual needs.
Wellwise Home Health & Wellness was recognized as a Gold winner in Home Health Care and a Silver winner in Home Medical Equipment in the 2026 CommunityVotes Sudbury Awards.
According to the National Home Modifications Survey, 78% of Canadians want to age in their own home. However, only 26% predict they’ll be able to do so.
Aging in place can bring multiple benefits to your loved ones. It gives them an increased sense of independence and control over their own life. It allows them to stay close to the friends and community they love and stay in the home where they’ve made precious memories. It can also be a healthier environment than residential care facilities, where infections can spread much more rapidly.
If you have a loved one who wants to age in their own home but isn’t sure they’ll be able to, below are three ways you can help.
Help make their home safe and accessible
Depending on your loved one’s needs, they may need to make modifications to their home. If they use a wheelchair, this might involve widening doorways and installing a ramp or a lift at the entrance to their home. If they struggle to use the stairs a stairlift could be useful. Likewise, adjustable beds and electric recliner chairs can help those who have difficulty getting up and down. At the very least, grab bars should be considered for the bathroom, which is the most common site of slips and falls. If your loved one needs help deciding what types of home modifications are right for them, Wellwise Home Services can help. Our CAPS-certified consultants will carry out an assessment of their home and make recommendations based on their specific needs.
The governments of Ontario and British Columbia have also introduced tax credits to help seniors and people with disabilities renovate their homes to make them safer and more accessible. The British Columbia program allows seniors to claim for renovation expenses incurred on or after April 12, 2012 and people with disabilities to claim for expenses incurred from February 17, 2016. The Ontario credit is available for the 2021 and 2022 tax years.
You can learn more about the tax credits and find out whether you’re eligible at the links below.
British Columbia home renovation tax credit for seniors and persons with disabilities
Ontario Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit
It is always recommended to speak with a professional accountant or refer to your local government website for eligibility requirements and full details on a regular basis.
2. Consider in-home support
Just because your loved one wants to live independently doesn’t mean they have to do everything themselves. Hiring in-home support can be a great way of keeping them in their home – and can also help take some of the pressure off you! You can hire someone to come for just a couple of hours a week or even several hours a day. You might hire someone to help with personal care, such as dressing, using the washroom, and bathing. Or perhaps your loved one just needs someone to prepare their meals or clean the house.
3. Help your loved one stay mobile
Maximizing your loved one’s mobility is a key part of helping them move around their home and community safely and confidently, which in turn helps them maintain their independence. If your loved one has mobility issues, there’s a wide variety of mobility aids that can help. These range from canes and walkers, to wheelchairs and scooters. Expert staff at Wellwise locations can help advise you and your loved one which aids would be most suitable for their needs.
Everyone’s needs are unique, and what’s right for one person may not be right for another. So, be sure to discuss with your loved one, their friends, family, and healthcare providers what’s best for them to help them maintain their independence. We hope that with a few small adaptations, your loved one will be able to continue living in their home comfortably and confidently.
The information presented in this blog post is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this post as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for professional counseling care. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.
Resources
https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/infographics/aging-place-tips-making-home-safe-and-accessible#:~:text=Install%20grab%20bars%20near%20toilets,handrails%20to%20the%20front%20door.
Falls are the number one cause of injury among Canadians 65+. According to StatCan, one third of Canadians in this age group fall at least once each year. And the most common place to fall? With its wet floors and slippery surfaces, the bathroom is the main culprit, accounting for up to 80% of mishaps.
Falling – and the fear of falling – can have a big impact on your ability to live independently. But the good news is there are many products that help you adapt your home, so you can move around safely and confidently.
Funding home modifications
Modifying your home to help you avoid falls isn’t without its costs. Luckily, both Ontario and British Columbia have introduced tax credits to help you cover the costs associated with renovating your home to make it safer and more accessible.
The British Columbia program allows seniors to claim for renovation expenses incurred on or after April 12, 2012, and people with disabilities to claim for expenses incurred from February 17, 2016. The Ontario credit is available for the 2021 and 2022 tax years.
You can learn more about the tax credits and find out whether you’re eligible at the links below.
British Columbia home renovation tax credit for seniors and persons with disabilities
Ontario Seniors’ Home Safety Tax Credit
It is always recommended to speak with a professional accountant or refer to your local government website for eligibility requirements and full details on a regular basis.
Choosing the right bathroom safety equipment
There’s a lot of bathroom safety equipment available and choosing what’s right for you can sometimes be overwhelming. If you need advice, expert staff at Wellwise™ locations are always on hand to talk you through your options. Our Home Services* team can even come and assess your home and make personalized recommendations. Learn more here.
Read on for our top bathroom safety picks.
*Home Services are currently only available in Ontario.
Bathmats
It may seem obvious, but a rubber or non-slip bath mat can be essential when it comes to avoiding falls while showering and bathing by providing friction on slippery surfaces.
Grab bars
Grab bars are also key when it comes to avoiding falls. We recommend placing them next to the toilet, shower, and bathtub, since you’re more likely to fall when getting in and out of these.
Bathroom chairs
A bath or shower chair can be a good tactic for staying safe in the bathroom – plus they make for a more comfortable bathing experience! Bath transfer benches provide similar benefits, as well as allowing you to avoid lifting your legs while getting into the bath and providing additional support for caregivers.
Raised toilet seats
If you have trouble getting on and off the toilet, a raised toilet seat can help. Whether you only need it while you heal post surgery or for everyday use, it can help boost your stability – and your confidence – while using the washroom.
Being able to use the bathroom safely is key to maintaining your independence and being able to stay in your own home for longer. With these simple modifications and additions to your home, we hope you’re able to bathe with confidence and avoid falls!
The information presented in this blog post is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this post as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for professional counseling care. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.
If you’re among the 20% of Canadians aged 65+ with a mobility problem, you may be considering a mobility scooter. If you’re not sure whether a mobility scooter is for you, continue reading to discover the top five benefits!
Get out and about more easily
If you have mobility problems, you may find yourself spending more time indoors and less time going out and doing the activities you enjoy. Whether it’s going to the theatre, your local shopping mall, or simply getting out and enjoying the fresh air and sunshine, a mobility scooter can help open up the world again.
What’s more, scooters can usually be taken on public transport, accessible taxis, and even on planes, so there are more opportunities to visit the places that you want to go!
Boost your independence
Doing what you want to do is great, but it’s also important to be able to do what you need to do. The loss of independence that comes with mobility issues can lead to feelings of low self-esteem and even depression. A mobility scooter can help restore some of that independence and boost your self worth. So, whether it’s a trip to the doctors, the supermarket, or your local bank, you won’t need to rely on others for your daily errands.
Help prevent injuries
Falls are the greatest cause of injury among Canadians aged 65+ and account for 85% of hospitalizations. Mobility scooters can help prevent falls and therefore help avoid some of the consequences, such as chronic pain, reduced mobility, and loss of independence.
Move around comfortably
Even if you’re able to get out and about by yourself, you may find that you tire quickly or experience joint pain when spending too much time on your feet. A mobility scooter can make longer trips outside of home more pleasant by helping you avoid fatigue, aches, and pains. What’s more, modern scooters have been designed with comfort in mind – they can be adjusted to suit your height and often feature suspension to cushion any bumps in the road
Improve your social life
According to Statistics Canada, 19-24% of Canadians over 65 feel isolated and wish they could participate more in social activities. Loneliness has been linked to a variety of mental and physical health problems, including heart disease, obesity, depression, cognitive decline, and even Alzheimer’s. A mobility aid such as a scooter can help give your social life a boost. It can help you visit friends and family members more easily, as well as simply getting out and interacting with people in your local community.
If you think a mobility scooter could be for you, Wellwise™ has a wide range available that you can browse here.
Other mobility solutions to consider
A scooter is one way of boosting your mobility, but there are a range of other options available. If you only have minor mobility issues, you might want to start off with a cane. Meanwhile, a rollator or a walker could be a possibility if you enjoy walking but need a little more support.
If you’d like to discuss all the mobility options available to you, you can visit a Wellwise™ location where our expert staff will be happy to assist you.
The information presented in this blog post is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information in this post as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for professional counseling care. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.
Resources
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/89-654-x/89-654-x2016005-eng.htm
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/aging-seniors/publications/publications-general-public/seniors-falls-canada-second-report/seniors-falls-canada-infographic.html
https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/partners/seniors-forum/social-isolation-toolkit-vol1.html
https://harmonyhomemedical.com/pages/benefits-of-using-mobility-scooters
https://www.bluebadgemobilityinsurance.co.uk/news/5-benefits-of-a-mobility-scooter
https://www.ucan2magazine.co.uk/content/6-benefits-owning-mobility-scooter
An estimated 6.4 % of Canadians have been diagnosed with Sleep Apnea. This diagnosis is associated with cardiac related diseases as well as obesity and diabetes. It affects both men and women and can have impacts on your overall health. The most common type of sleep apnea is Obstructive Sleep Apnea. This is a serious disorder that causes your breathing to stop many times throughout the night.
Common Symptoms of Sleep Apnea
Snoring
Morning headaches
Long pauses in your breathing while you sleep
Daytime sleepiness
Poor concentration
Irritability and mood changes
How Sleep Apnea diagnosed?
Sleep Apnea can be diagnosed using an at home test or by going to a sleep lab to have an overnight Sleep Study. The type of test that is prescribed for you, depends on the province in which you live and their standard of practice. These tests use technology to measure certain aspects such as your breathing rate, heart rate, brain waves and blood oxygen saturation levels.
How can Sleep Apnea be Treated?
The most common and effective type of therapy is the use of a CPAP machine, although the severity of your Sleep Apnea can sometimes be decreased by changing certain lifestyle factors such as:
Sleeping Position: Sleep Apnea is typically worse while lying on your back. By changing your sleeping position to your side and utilizing a positional sleeping pillow, such as a wedge pillow- It helps to elevate your upper body and open your airway wider, allowing for more air flow. Discover some positional pillows on Wellwise.ca and find the right one for you.
Exercise: Physical fitness can improve your cardiovascular health as well as decrease your risk for obesity. Weight loss may be prescribed in conjunction with CPAP therapy.
Tip: Start slow and easy. Seated ellipticals or small pound weights can elevate your heartrate without the need to even be standing. Click here to find exercise equipment at Wellwise.ca that you can use to improve your cardio.
Regular Sleep Routine: Going to bed and waking up at similar times every night allows your body to experience all the sleep cycles. 7-9 hours per night are recommended for most adults.
Tip: Sleeping aids and sound machines can make these routines easier to stick to. Click here to see products to help you bring better sleep home on Wellwise.ca.
What is CPAP therapy?
CPAP is the acronym for Continuous Positive Airway Pressure. To simply put, it is a mechanical device that pushes a prescribed amount of air pressure (room air), into the airway using a face mask to hold it open and prevent it from collapsing during sleep.
What are the benefits of using CPAP Therapy?
Consistently using your prescribed CPAP therapy every night can leave you with a multitude of health benefits. You can experience increased energy, better moods, and decrease in headaches. Your heart will also thank you, by decreasing your risk of a heart attack, stroke and high blood pressure.
How to Improve the comfort of using CPAP therapy?
CPAP therapy can sometimes be challenging to adjust to or even make comfortable. See below for some suggestions on how to keep your therapy comfortable and easy to maintain:
CPAP Mask: Always ensure your mask is clean, comfortable, and the right size for you. Simple cleaning solutions such as mask wipes are available for easy daily cleaning and CPAP mask creams are safe to use and available to protect your face from mask irritation and moisturize your sensitive facial skin. Manufacturers typically recommend changing out your mask every 6 months as your silicone will break down over time causing a less than ideal seal to your face. Sizing guides and CPAP Consultants are available to help you find the ideal mask and size for you. Find here various CPAP accessories on Wellwise.ca to help keep your CPAP masks and equipment well sanitized.
Heated Tubes: Using a heated tube for your CPAP therapy can increase your comfort by maximizing the humidity the machine is able to deliver to your airway. Humidity overall makes therapy feel more comfortable and natural. Heated tubes can also reduce the occurrence of ‘Rainout” or water collected in your CPAP tube.
Travelling: Travel size CPAP machines are available to decrease the amount of technology to haul on your next adventure. CPAP batteries are also available should you be travelling somewhere where power may be a luxury.
Distilled Water: Distilled water is to be utilized in CPAP therapy as it is free of minerals and bacteria. You will experience a cleaner, healthier therapy and less residue buildup in your humidifier chamber. Cleanable humidity chambers may be available for your CPAP machine to conveniently wash in your dishwasher.
CPAP Pillows: These pillows are available to reduce mask leakage and can be purchased in many shapes/sizes. Hose lifts are also another option to decrease mask leak by reducing of pull created on your mask from your tube. Hose lifts can be used in conjunction with your CPAP pillow.
Getting a good night’s sleep is an essential part of maintaining good health. Sleep Apnea is a diagnosis that is treatable, and many options are available to make CPAP therapy easy and convenient! With Wellwise, you can look to Schedule your in-store CPAP and Sleep Apnea Therapy consultation today and one of our highly trained sleep consultants will be happy to offer one-on-one guidance toward a better night’s sleep. Wellwise also provides a wide range of CPAP and Sleep Therapy products. Click here to start exploring products to help you sleep better everyday.
The information presented in this blog post is designed for educational purposes only. You should not rely on any information on this post as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, treatment, or as a substitute for professional counseling care. If you have any concerns or questions about your health, you should always consult with a physician or other healthcare professional.
Resources
https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-625-x/2018001/article/54979-eng.htm
https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/chronic-diseases/sleep-apnea.html
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/sleep-apnea/treatment
https://www.fphcare.com/en-ca/homecare/sleep-apnea/clinical-technologies/thermosmart/
https://www.sleepfoundation.org/cpap/should-you-use-distilled-water-for-a-cpap-machine#:~:text=Distilled%20water%20is%20the%20best,prevents%20limescale%20buildup%20on%20devices.
https://www.cdc.gov/sleep/about_sleep/how_much_sleep.html
