When it comes to staying safe at home, simple adjustments can make a big difference — especially for older adults. According to the Canada Safety Council, in 2022, falls accounted for 88.6% of all injury-related hospitalizations among Canadian adults aged 65+. (Canada Safety Council) That statistic alone speaks volumes about how important it is to adapt our homes for aging with safety, dignity, and independence.
Here are key areas to focus on:
1. Accessibility: It Starts With the Layout
As we age, mobility can become more limited, and our homes must reflect this shift. The Canada Safety Council emphasizes making living spaces easier to navigate — from adding handrails in hallways and stairways to ensuring doorways and hallways are wide enough for walkers or wheelchairs. (Canada Safety Council) Home Safety is vital.
What you can do:
- Install handrails along stairs and in hallways.
- Ensure doorways are at least ~32 inches wide (a typical provincial standard) to accommodate mobility aids. (Canada Safety Council)
- Consider a stair lift or a ramp if climbing stairs becomes difficult.
These adjustments aren’t just about safety — they’re about preserving independence and dignity.
2. Reducing Fall Risks: Trip Hazards, Slips & Poor Lighting
Falls happen when we least expect them, often from seemingly small risks. The Council tips include: removing loose rugs or securing them with non-slip pads; tucking away cords; improving lighting in hallways, staircases, and bathrooms; and using non-slip mats and grab bars in wet areas.
Action steps:
- Go room by room and identify clutter, rugs, and cords. Remove or secure them.
- Upgrade lighting: brighter bulbs, motion sensors in hallways.
- In bathrooms and kitchens (high-risk zones for slips), add non-slip mats and assistance bars.
At ESS Support Services, our exercise and fall-prevention program helps older adults build strength and balance to reduce their risk and feel confident walking and moving around their homes.
3. Bathroom Safety: A High-Risk Zone
Bathrooms are especially hazardous for older adults: water and smooth surfaces increase the risk of slipping and falling. The Council recommends: raised toilet seats, grab bars around toilets and showers, and walk-in showers with no high tub curbs. (Canada Safety Council)
Suggestions:
- Install grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower.
- Replace a standard bathtub with a walk-in version, if possible.
- Use a raised toilet seat to ease sitting and standing.
- Consider non-slip flooring or bathroom-specific mats.
These changes help create a safer environment, but the inner components (strength, balance, mobility) that our program addresses are equally critical.
4. Emergency Preparedness: Plan for the Unexpected
Safety isn’t only about preventing falls — it’s also about being ready in case you do need help. The Council points out that for older adults, especially in remote or weather-challenged areas, having access to emergency services quickly can save lives. (Canada Safety Council)
Here’s what to ensure:
- Keep a phone accessible at all times, with emergency numbers pre-programmed.
- Consider a medical alert system that works with a push-button and works even when a mobile phone can’t be reached.
- In poor cell reception areas, use devices that connect via landline or satellite.
- Have an emergency plan: a list of contacts, medications, and instructions for caregivers or neighbours.
Being prepared gives peace of mind — not just to the individual, but also to families and caregivers.
5. Bringing It All Together: A Three-Step Approach
At ESS Support Services, we often talk about a 3-step approach to fall prevention and home safety, which lines up beautifully with what the Canada Safety Council suggests:
- MOVE your body – through targeted strength and balance exercises
- IMPROVE your health – by building mobility, flexibility, and confidence
- REMOVE hazards – in the home environment to minimise fall risk
By combining physical preparedness (through our classes) with environmental readiness (through home modifications and awareness), older adults can enjoy a safer, more independent life.
Why This Matters
Adapting your home and maintaining your health are about more than just avoiding injury — they’re about staying active, engaged, and living with dignity. Each small step you take builds toward a bigger impact: fewer falls, fewer hospitalizations, more freedom.
At ESS Support Services, our Exercise and Fall Prevention Program is designed with precisely this goal in mind. We provide free, accessible programs (in-person, virtual, telephone) tailored for ages 55+ to help reduce risk, boost confidence, and build community.
References:
Canada Safety Council. “Home Safety Starts With You.” Nov 6 2024. (Canada Safety Council)