easy home improvements that significantly reduce fall risk for seniors

3 Home Safety Upgrades That Reduce Fall Risk for Seniors Living Alone

ByPriority Care Call

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospital visits among Canadian seniors. According to the Canadian Institute for Health Information, more than 80 percent of injury-related hospitalizations for older adults come from falls, many of which happen at home. The good news is that a few simple upgrades can significantly reduce the risk.

Here are three effective home improvements that help seniors stay safe, steady, and independent.

1. Install Grab Bars and Railings

Bathrooms and hallways are two of the most common places where falls happen. Wet floors, low lighting, and limited support make it easy to slip. Installing secure grab bars and railings is one of the most effective fall-prevention upgrades.

Grab bars should be placed:

  • Beside the toilet
  • Inside and just outside the shower
  • Along the bathtub entry points

Railings should be sturdy, properly mounted, and installed on both sides of stairs whenever possible. These support points give seniors extra balance and reduce the risk of slipping, tripping, or losing footing.

2. Improve Lighting Throughout the Home

Poor lighting makes it harder to see steps, edges, and obstacles, especially at night. Upgrading the lighting in key areas of the home can drastically reduce fall risk.

Recommended upgrades include:

  • Motion-sensor night lights in hallways, bathrooms, and bedrooms
  • Bright, energy-efficient bulbs in all main living spaces
  • Additional lighting near staircases
  • Removing shadows or dark corners with overhead or wall lights

Even small lighting improvements can make a big difference, especially for seniors with vision changes or mobility challenges.

3. Add Non-Slip Flooring and Secure Loose Rugs

Slippery surfaces and unsecured rugs are responsible for countless avoidable falls. Replacing slick flooring with textured, non-slip materials makes walking safer in kitchens, bathrooms, and entryways.

If replacing flooring isn’t possible, the next best option is:

  • Non-slip mats in the bathroom and kitchen
  • Rubber backing under area rugs
  • Removing loose rugs altogether if they bunch, curl, or slide

Seniors should also avoid walking in socks on hard surfaces. Non-slip slippers or shoes provide additional traction and stability.

A Simple Upgrade That Adds Even More Safety

For more than a decade, Priority Care Call has helped seniors across Alberta live independently and safely. Our monitoring centres are located in Canada, ensuring fast and personal responses from real people who understand your community.

We believe that peace of mind shouldn’t depend on outdated technology or expensive contracts. With our modern wireless alert systems, staying safe is easier than ever, no landline required.

Extra Peace of Mind for Seniors Living Alone

If you or a loved one lives alone, it’s worth reviewing whether immediate help is always within reach. Please call us at +1 (403)-568-8844 (Alberta) or +1 (866)-344-6009 (Toll free) for more information.

Priority Care Call helps seniors across Alberta and Canada, stay protected with reliable medical alert systems designed for life at home.

Even with the right home upgrades, having a way to quickly get help can make all the difference. Stay protected. Stay independent.

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