Home adjustments tips for National Senior Safety Week

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on November 7, 2024.

news@medicinehatnews.com

This week marks National Senior Safety Week, an annual campaign organized by the Canada Safety Council to raise awareness as well as help seniors stay safe, especially in their homes.

This year the council is providing tips to home adjustments that can make a home easy to navigate for individuals with reduced mobility.

Citing a data blog by Statistics Canada updated in 2023, the council says falls among older adults (65+) are one of the leading causes of injury and are responsible for 88.6 per cent of all injury-related hospitalizations.

The council says one of the first steps should be considering the installation of handrails in hallways and stairways and if mobility is severely restricted, adding a stairlift to provide safe access to different floors in the home.

“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 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.”

They also suggest doorways and hallways be wide enough to accommodate walkers or a wheelchair.

To prevent fall risks, the council says it’s important to remove all tripping hazards including loose rugs, electrical cords and clutter. Good lighting is important in areas like staircases, hallways and bathrooms. Motion sensor lights can make turning off light switches easier.

The risk of tripping increases in rooms like the kitchen and bathroom due to the combination of water and hard surfaces.

The council recommends using non-slip surfaces in showers and bathtubs and adding grab bars for extra support. Other safety advice includes installing raised toilet seats and if possible using walking showers with no curbs for easier access.

To be prepared for an emergency it’s recommended to keep a phone accessible at all times with pre-programmed emergency numbers for local health services and family members.

“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,” states a press release.

The national awareness week also focused on topics including drug safety, elder abuse, scams and identity theft. More information can be found online by visiting canadasafetycouncil.org.

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