In 2020, the number of people in BC aged 65 and older was around 1MM i.e. 20% or 1 in 5 residents. This is projected to increase to nearly 25% or 1 in every 4 BC residents by 2040. It is estimated that ~93% of these seniors live independently. These staggering numbers coupled with high life expectancy rates imply that more and more seniors will need support to live longer and effectively.
There is clear acknowledgement within BC’s public health authorities that the way forward is for people to have the ability to “age in place”. Aging in place is the process of living in one’s own home and community as one gets older. Widespread focus on aging in place will also be critical to relieve pressure from the already strained medical system in BC, as seniors become a larger proportion of the local population.
To effectively attain safe and healthy aging in place across the province, the first steps need to start at the very basic level i.e. in the senior’s own homes.
Below are some useful tips that can be crucial to creating added safety for seniors in their homes and support aging in place:
- Installation of grab bars in bathrooms and hallways
- Removing any area rugs or electric cords which could be tripping hazards
- Install non-slip surfaces in the tub, shower, staircases etc. Walk-in showers are ideal and putting in shower benches can be handy for seniors to be seated while showering.
- Smooth walking surfaces in and around the home with the removal of any small steps, gaps, cracks or crevices which may obstruct canes, walkers etc. and increase the risk of falls
- Rearranging kitchen shelves to lower heights for easier access to essentials
- De-cluttering the home especially to remove any old, loose or wobbly furniture or sharp, pointy or hard surfaced objects
- Installing chair lifts may make sense in the long run if there are a lot of stairs in the home and the senior resident is facing declined balance/mobility or is a fall risk
- Ensuring proper lighting and the installation of switches at either end of long hallways, rooms and stairs
- Installing of fall alert devices such as Lifeline or Checkmate SOS
- Having at least one telephone instrument in senior’s home with large displays / buttons, with important phone numbers (doctor, emergency family contacts, home care provider etc.) stored in for speed dialing
- Some changes to the home may be expensive and government programs such as the B.C. Home Renovation Tax Credit, Home Adaptations for Independence and the federal Home Accessibility Tax Credit can be explored.
While the above steps can go a long way, health changes may leave seniors needing that extra bit of support to effectively age in place. Engaging the services of a professional home care provider can alleviate the daily challenges faced with hygiene activities, memory care or maintenance of the home.
For compassionate, high-quality care services, contact the health experts at Home Instead.
Call 604-283-9433
