Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalisations among Canadian seniors. The good news: most are preventable. A short walk-through of the home — and a few small changes — can dramatically lower the risk.
Start at the floor
Loose rugs are the most common indoor fall hazard. Either remove them or secure them with a non-slip backing. Keep walking paths clear of cords, pet bowls, and stacks of mail. Aim for uninterrupted lines of sight between rooms.
In bathrooms, install grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower or tub — they should be screwed into wall studs, not stuck to tile. A non-slip mat inside the shower is inexpensive and effective.
Light the path, especially at night
Falls often happen on trips between bed and bathroom in the dark. Plug-in motion-sensor night lights solve this for under twenty dollars. Add one in the bedroom, the hallway, and the bathroom. A small lamp on a bedside table that turns on with a tap is even better.
Footwear that grips
Loose slippers and stocking feet are quietly dangerous on hardwood. Slippers with rubber soles, or simple indoor shoes worn around the house, give noticeably better traction. It's a small change with an outsized safety payoff.
Address the body, not just the home
Strength and balance fade quickly when they aren't used. Daily standing exercises — sit-to-stand from a sturdy chair, heel raises while holding a counter, sideways steps — measurably reduce fall risk within a few weeks. Tai chi and yoga designed for seniors are also excellent.
Medication review matters, too. Some blood-pressure medications, sedatives, and sleep aids increase fall risk, especially in combination. A periodic review with a pharmacist or physician can flag risky interactions.
When in doubt, get a professional eye
Occupational therapists are trained to spot fall risks in a home that family members miss. Many home-care companies, including Blue Sky, can arrange this kind of safety assessment as part of a free in-home consultation.