Written & provided by: Spectrum Healthcare

Overwhelmingly, Canadian seniors want to age and be cared for in their own homes. Physical safety in the home is therefore a top concern for seniors, particularly around fall prevention.

According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), 20 to 30% of seniors experience a fall every year and falls are the leading cause of injury and hospitalizations among seniors. They also indicate that half of all falls causing hospitalization happen at home.

Activities associated with fall-related injury for those age 65+ in Canada include:

• 16% Walking on snow or ice
• 13% Up or down stairs/steps
• 8% Due to health problems
• 5% From furniture/Rising from furniture
• 5% From elevated position

Maintaining a safe home is essential for a senior’s overall health and wellbeing. The good news is, falls are preventable and there are many things you can do to adapt your home to help you live comfortably and safely.

Keeping your Home Safe

You can prevent falls by making needed adjustments to your home. While the most common areas for falls inside the home are bathrooms and stairs, falls outside related to walking on snow or ice are also high on the list.

Staying safe inside:

• Ensure your home is well lit and install sensor or motion activated lights to illuminate pathways
• Declutter your home and keep traffic flow areas clear
• Hire a home cleaner if you need help maintaining your home
• Wear slippers or socks with treads
• Use safety aids, like walkers or canes
• Invest in alert and emergency aid products like SMPL SOS Help Pendant Alert Kits.

Staying safe outside:

• Ensure walk ways are well lit and clear of snow or leaves
• Wear boots with treads in the winter
• Install home security cameras that allow you to see who is at your door without having to get up
• Use companion transportation services to ensure safety and security while venturing outside your home

If you want to fall-proof your home and create a safer space for you or your loved ones,  Wellwise by Shoppers™ offers a range of products for the Home including bathroom safety and daily living products to help you get started.

Ask for help

If you’ve taken the above steps and are still concerned about living safely at home, consider hiring help. Seniors for Seniors offers a range of companionship services to help you age safely and comfortably at home.

Services include:

• Personal care
• Meal preparation
• Home cleaning
• Grocery shopping & delivery
• Drop-in services
• Transportation

It’s not always easy for seniors to ask for help but know that help is available. Learn more

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

Section 2: The Safe Living Guide - A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors – The facts: seniors and injury in Canada - Canada.ca

seniors_falls-chutes_aines-eng.pdf (canada.ca)

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/your-health/lifestyles/seniors-aging-preventing-falls-around-your-home.html