As seniors age, their homes may need adjustments to ensure safety and comfort. In Canada, falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults — in 2022, Statistics Canada identified falls as being responsible for 88.6 per cent of all injury-related hospitalizations among adults aged 65 and older.
National Senior Safety Week is November 6 – 12, and the Canada Safety Council is raising awareness of the numerous ways to make a home more senior-friendly, reducing the risk of trips, falls, and other common hazards.
Accessibility
One of the first steps to creating a senior-friendly home is ensuring accessibility. This includes making the living space easy to navigate for individuals with reduced mobility.
“Ensuring that homes are accessible and safe for seniors is more than just about comfort—it’s about preserving dignity and independence,” said Gareth Jones, President and CEO of the Canada Safety Council.
“As our population ages, adapting homes to meet the needs of older adults is crucial to helping them maintain a high quality of life while reducing the risks of falls and other injuries.”
Consider installing handrails in hallways and stairways to provide support when walking or climbing stairs. If mobility is severely restricted, adding a stairlift may also be an option to provide safe access to different floors.
Doorways and hallways should be wide enough to accommodate walkers or wheelchairs. In Canada, provincial building codes generally recommend a width of at least 32 inches for doorways, providing ample room for mobility aids.
Fall Risks
Falls are a major concern for seniors, especially in slippery or cluttered areas. To minimize these risks:
- Remove tripping hazards. Loose rugs, electrical cords, and clutter can easily cause a senior to trip. Secure any loose rugs with non-slip pads or remove them entirely. Ensure that cords are tucked away safely.
- Improve lighting. Good lighting is essential for seniors, particularly in areas like staircases, hallways, and bathrooms. Install motion-sensor lights in these areas so that seniors don’t need to search for light switches in the dark.
- Use non-slip surfaces: Bathrooms and kitchens can become slippery when wet. Install non-slip mats in areas like the shower, bathtub, and kitchen floors, and add grab bars in the bathroom for extra support.
Bathroom Safety
Bathrooms are particularly hazardous for seniors, with the combination of water and hard surfaces increasing the risk of falls. Some safety measures to consider include:
- Installing raised toilet seats to make sitting and standing easier.
- Adding grab bars around the toilet and shower to provide stability.
- Using walk-in showers with no curbs for easier access, reducing the need to step over high bathtub edges.
Emergency Preparedness
Ensuring that seniors can access emergency services quickly is crucial to their safety and well-being. In Canada, where extreme weather and remote living conditions can add to response times, being prepared is especially important.
Keep a phone accessible at all times, ideally with pre-programmed emergency numbers for local health services or loved ones. A medical alert system can offer peace of mind, allowing seniors to summon help with the press of a button, even in situations where they may be unable to reach a phone.
In homes with poor cell reception, consider systems that connect directly to landlines or those that function through satellite services. Additionally, create an emergency plan that includes contact numbers, medications, and instructions for neighbors or caregivers.
By making these small but impactful changes, seniors can enjoy a safer, more comfortable living environment that promotes their independence and well-being.
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