Introduction

At some point in your life, you may need to provide support to someone you know.

Over 8 million Canadians currently care for someone they know and this number is expected to increase as a result of Canada’s aging population. You will likely need to support someone you know who has a physical disability, a mental health challenge, a long-term illness or a degenerative disease. Caring for someone else often means juggling personal commitments, work, family time and care responsibilities.

It is never too early to start planning for your role as a caregiver.

You may need to help a parent, child, partner, sibling, friend, neighbour or co-worker. This person will count on your presence and support as they face health and living challenges.

Learn about your options, plan your actions and get ready! Here is what you need to think about.

Learn how to support their health care

• Understand their health condition and care options. Help the person choose the best care plan to meet their needs by learning as much as you can about their physical and mental health, medical and treatment options and support needs.
  • Know how to have a care conversation
• Provide encouragement. Living with a chronic or long-term condition can be a daily challenge. Help the person you care for eat healthy, be physically active, stay socially connected and follow their treatment plan.
  • The Safe Living Guide—A Guide to Home Safety for Seniors
• Know their care providers. Make a list of all care providers—name, contact information and caring role. Communicate and work with them.
  • Note that there may be multiple health care professionals involved in the person’s care.
  • Don’t forget the personalized services provided by home and community care providers.
• Manage medications. Make a medication list and review it with a pharmacist to learn about each drug, their side effects and any counter-indications, how to store them and when to take them.
  • Remember to include not only prescribed medications, but also over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbs and minerals.
  • Instructions forusing medications safely
  • Medication safety checklist
• Plan for care transitions. Care transitions from home to hospital, to a rehabilitation facility, a nursing home or long-term care home are critical to the person’s recovery and quality of life. Know the discharge plan and care options.
  • Is the person’s home safe? If not, contact home care for an in-home assessment.
• Be prepared for emergencies. Know who to contact and what to do in case of medical emergencies or unplanned events.
  • Keep a list of emergency contacts and their information within reach.
  • Your Emergency Preparedness Guide
• Stay healthy. Eat a healthy and balanced diet, keep in contact with friends and family, exercise regularly, get enough sleep and make time for activities you enjoy

Learn how to improve their quality of life

• Explore home and community support options. Home care services may allow a person with special needs to stay home as independently and as long as possible.
  • Consider seniors centres, support groups and programs of disease-specific organizations
  • Consider day programs, meal delivery, transportation services and in-home supports.
  • Government of Canada benefits finder
  • Provincial and territorial ministries of health
• Maintain social contacts. Keeping in touch with friends and family and being socially connected can make a difference in how well the individual copes with their health and living challenges.
  • Consider smartphones, computer software (e.g. Skype) and social networking sites
• Investigate housing options. Start to consider modifications to the existing home, assisted living and long-term care facilities.
  • Is the person’s home safe? If not, contact home care for an in-home assessment.
  • Keep in mind that many housing options have waitlists and only some are publicly funded.
  • Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation programs
  • What every older Canadian should know about planning for their future housing needs
• Explore financial options. Assess the person’s financial situation, revenues and expenses, to understand how their budget can best meet their needs.
  • Speak to a financial advisor about retirement saving plans, a registered disability savings plan, high interest accounts, life insurance, caregiving insurance, employee benefits and government tax credits or income supplements.
  • Tips for working with a financial advisor
  • The “benefits” of being a senior
  • Compassionate Care Benefits
  • Family Caregiver Amount tax credit

Learn how to maintain your own health and well-being

• Stay healthy. Eat a healthy and balanced diet, keep in contact with friends and family, exercise regularly, get enough sleep and make time for activities you enjoy.
• Learn the signs of caregiver stress. Be aware of times when you are feeling anxious, having trouble sleeping, not eating properly or feeling unwell.
  • Responding to Stressful Events: Self-Care for Caregivers
• Ask for help. Reach out to friends, family and support services when you need them.
• Resources. Get information on federal, provincial and territorial resources for caregivers by visiting the Federal/Provincial/Territorial Ministers Responsible for Seniors Forum, by calling 1 800 O-Canada or TTY 1-800-926-9105, or by contacting your provincial or territorial government.

Caregiving can be a positive experience. Being prepared helps!

Many caregivers find caring for someone to be rewarding and empowering. Positive experiences include a sense of pride for being able to give back, building deeper relationships, discovering new skills and finding increased meaning and purpose in your life.

Don’t be afraid to ask for help. Remember, you’re not alone.

Reference: https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/corporate/seniors/forum/care-options.html

Canada’s retirement income system

Your income during retirement will typically come from three main sources:

• the Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or Quebec Pension Plan (QPP)
• the Old Age Security (OAS)
• employer-sponsored pension plans and personal savings and investments

You may hear these called the “three pillars” of Canada’s retirement income system.

You’ll need to know how much money you may get from these sources to be able to plan for your retirement. You’ll also need to consider what to do with your personal savings at certain stages in your life.

You should start thinking about all of these things before you retire. This will help you figure out when you can comfortably retire, and how much money you can expect to have when you do.

Canada Pension Plan (CPP) or Québec Pension Plan (QPP)

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and Québec Pension Plan (QPP) provide monthly payments to people who contributed to the plans during their working years.

CPP contributions are managed by the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board (CPPIB). The CPPIB invests these contributions to ensure there is enough money in the plan to provide payments to both current and future Canadian retirees.

The amount you’ll get every month depends on how long you contributed to the plan and how much you contributed. It also depends on the age when you start receiving your CPP or QPP retirement pension.

You can choose to take your CPP or QPP as early as age 60 or as late as age 70. The earlier you take your CPP or QPP, the lower your monthly payments will be. The later you take your CPP or QPP, the higher your monthly payments will be.

Learn more about the Canada Pension Plan (CPP).

Learn more about the Québec Pension Plan (QPP).

Old Age Security (OAS) pension

The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is a monthly benefit for Canadians who are 65 or older. You can get OAS benefits even if you’re still working or have never worked.

You don’t need to contribute to the OAS pension in order to benefit from it. You can start to receive OAS at age 65 or choose to defer for up to 5 years. For every month you delay receiving your OAS pension, the higher the monthly payment will be.

You’ll typically be eligible for the OAS pension if you are a Canadian citizen or legal resident and have lived in Canada for at least 10 years. The amount you will get from the OAS pension depends on how long you lived in Canada after the age of 18. You will typically be eligible for the maximum amount if you lived in Canada for 40 years or more.

You may be selected for auto enrolment in the OAS pension. This means that you won’t have to apply to start receiving your OAS pension. You will receive a letter a month after you turn 64 years old telling you if you are chosen for auto enrolment in the OAS pension. You can still defer receiving your OAS pension if you are eligible for auto enrolment.

If you don’t get a letter telling you that you are eliglble for auto enrolment then you will have to apply for the OAS in writing by completing and mailing in the application form.

Find out if you’re eligible to apply and get more information about the Old Age Security (OAS) pension.

Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS)

The Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) provides a monthly non-taxable benefit to Old Age Security (OAS) pension recipients who have a low income and are living in Canada. You need to file your income tax return every year to be eligible for the GIS, even if you don’t expect to have to pay extra taxes.

If you were automatically enrolled for the OAS pension then you will automatically be considered for the GIS as long as you file your income tax return each year.

If you were not automatically enrolled in the OAS pension then you will need to apply for the GIS in writing.

Find out more about the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).

Allowance for people aged 60 to 64

The Allowance is a benefit available to Canadians between the ages of 60 and 64 who have a low income. You may be eligible for the Allowance if your spouse or common-law partner receives the OAS pension and is eligible for the GIS.

Find out more about the Allowance.

Employer-sponsored retirement and pension plans

Your employer may sponsor a retirement plan, such as a group Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) or a registered pension plan (RPP). These are both registered plans that provide you with a source of income during your retirement.

Under these plans, you and your employer (or just your employer) regularly contribute money to the plan. When you retire you may be eligible to receive either a regular income from the plan or a lump sum of money that you can convert into an income.

Speak to a human resources advisor or pension plan administrator to find out how your employer-sponsored retirement or pension plan works.

Learn more about employer-sponsored pension plans.

Personal retirement savings and investments

Two common sources of personal retirement income are Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) and Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs). RRSPs and TFSAs can be made up of various savings or investment products.

You may also receive income from non-registered sources, such as personal investments like stocks and bonds, or personal savings accounts.

Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs)

A Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) is a savings plan designed to help you save for retirement. RRSPs help you grow your money while offering tax benefits. For example, you may get a deduction on your income tax, depending on your income and the amount you contribute. You also don’t have to pay tax on the money you earn as long as it stays in your RRSP.

You can claim a deduction on your income tax return for RRSP contributions up to your RRSP deduction limit. This limit is typically 18% of your earned income for the previous year (up to a maximum amount that is set by the Government of Canada).

Money taken out of an RRSP is considered income. This means that you may have to pay tax on it. This can also impact the amount of money you receive from government benefits that are based on your income, such as the Old Age Security pension (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).

There are some programs that allow you to take money out of an RRSP without having to pay tax. For example, if you use the money to buy a house or to pay for your or your spouse’s post-secondary education. You’ll have to follow special rules and put the money back in your RRSP within a certain period or you will have to include it as income and may have to pay tax on it.

Learn more about Registered Retirement Savings Plans and tax implications.

Tax-Free Savings Accounts (TFSAs)

A Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) can also hold a wide range of investment products and allows them to grow tax-free. This means that you don’t have to pay tax on income from investments held in your TFSA, including interest, capital gains or dividends. You also don’t have to pay tax when you take money out of a TFSA.

Money earned or taken out of a TFSA is not considered income. This means that it will not impact the amount of money you receive from federal government benefits that are based on your income, such as the Old Age Security pension (OAS) and the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS).

There is a maximum amount that you can contribute to a TFSA each year without having to pay a penalty.

Learn more about Tax-Free Savings Accounts.

Turning your savings into retirement income

You’ll need to decide how you want to convert your savings and investments into retirement income. You should start thinking about these things before you retire so you can have a better understanding of what your options are and how much money you may have.

Some options include:

• converting an RRSP into a Registered Retirement Income Fund (RRIF)
• buying an annuity
• investing your money in other products, such as stocks or bonds
• withdrawing your savings as cash

You may be able to convert some of your retirement savings into income before you retire. This can help you transition from working to retiring.

Think about your other sources of retirement income before deciding how to use or invest your savings. Your other sources of retirement income can impact the amount of money you receive from government benefits and pensions that are based on your income.

For example, let’s say you are a Canadian with a low income and receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS). If you withdraw a large amount of money from an RRSP or an RRIF, then you might not be considered low income for the next year. You may receive a lower GIS payment, or you could no longer be eligible for the GIS in that year.

If you think you may earn a low income when you retire and will qualify for the GIS, then a TFSA may be a better savings option for you than an RRSP.

Everybody’s retirement situation is different. Speak with a financial professioanl before you retire for help figuring out what will work best for your retirement.

Learn more about turning your savings into retirement income.

Getting money from your home

If you own your home and you’re looking for additional income in retirement, you may be able to use the equity you built up in your home.

Selling your current home and buying a less expensive one

Selling your home and buying a less expensive one can provide you with extra money in retirement. This is often called downsizing.

You may save money in rent or mortgage payments, or free up some of the money that is invested in your home, by moving into a less expensive home. You may also pay less for utilities such as heating and electricity. However, remember that there are many fees and costs associated with buying and selling a home.

Learn about the costs involved with selling your home.

Getting a reverse mortgage

A reverse mortgage allows you to get money from your home’s value without having to sell your home. You are given a loan that is secured by the equity in your home and don’t have to make payments on the amount you owe until the loan is due. This is usually when you move out of your house, sell it or pass away.

Reverse mortgages are available to homeowners 55 years old and older. The costs associated with a reverse mortgage may be high.

Before choosing this option, make sure you understand if this type of loan is best for you.

Reference: https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/retirement-planning/sources-retirement-income.html

What is the Canada caregiver credit?

Do you support a spouse or common-law partner, or a dependant with a physical or mental impairment? The Canada caregiver credit (CCC) is a non-refundable tax credit that may be available to you.

Who can you claim this credit for?

You may be able to claim the CCC if you support your spouse or common-law partner with a physical or mental impairment.

You may also be able to claim the CCC if one or more of the following individuals depend on you for support because of a physical or mental impairment:

• your (or your spouse’s or common-law partner’s) child or grandchild
• your (or your spouse’s or common-law partner’s) parent, grandparent, brother, sister, uncle, aunt, niece, or nephew (if they resided in Canada at any time in the year)

An individual is considered to depend on you for support if they rely on you to regularly and consistently provide them with some or all of the basic necessities of life, such as food, shelter and clothing.

What amount can you claim?

The amount you can claim depends on your relationship to the person you are claiming the CCC for, your circumstances, the person’s net income, and whether other credits are being claimed for that person.

For your spouse or common-law partner, you may be entitled to claim an amount of $2,350 in the calculation of line 30300. You could also claim an amount up to $7,525 on line 30425.

For an eligible dependant 18 years of age or older (who is a person you are eligible to make a claim for on line 30400), you may be entitled to claim an amount of $2,350 in the calculation of line 30400. You could also claim an amount up to $7,525 on line 30425. See the note below.

For an eligible dependant under 18 years of age at the end of the year (who is a person you are eligible to make a claim for on line 30400), you may be entitled to claim an amount of $2,350 in the calculation of line 30400 or on line 30500 for your child. See the note below.

For each of your or your spouse’s or common-law partner’s children under 18 years of age at the end of the year, you may be entitled to claim an amount of $2,350 on line 30500. See the note below.

For each dependant 18 years of age or older who is not your spouse or common-law partner or an eligible dependant whom an amount is claimed for on line 30300 or line 30400, you may be entitled to claim an amount up to $7,525 on line 30450.

What documents do you need to support your claim?

When you file your tax return, do not send any documents. Keep them in case the CRA asks to see them later.

The CRA may ask for a signed statement from a medical practitioner showing when the impairment began and what the duration of the impairment is expected to be.

For children under 18 years of age, the statement should also show that the child is, and will likely continue to be, dependent on others for a long and continuous period because of an impairment in physical or mental functions. (Dependent on others means that the child needs much more help for their personal needs and care compared to children of the same age.)

You do not need a signed statement from a medical practitioner if the CRA already has an approved Form T2201, Disability Tax Credit Certificate, for a specified period.

Overview

The Old Age Security (OAS) pension is a monthly payment you can get if you are 65 and older. In some cases, Service Canada will be able to automatically enroll you for the OAS pension. In other cases, you will have to apply for the Old Age Security pension. Service Canada will inform you if you have been automatically enrolled.

In most cases, you do not have to apply to get this benefit.

Why you may have to apply

You may have to apply for Old Age Security. We may not have enough information to enroll you automatically.

When payments start

You can receive your first payment the month after you turn 65.

Old Age Security pension amount

The amount you receive depends on your income and how long you lived in Canada or specific countries after the age of 18.

You will have to pay tax on the Old Age Security pension payment.

Extra payment based on your income and your age

In addition to your OAS, you could also be eligible for other benefits.

Guaranteed Income Supplement

You may also be eligible for the Guaranteed Income Supplement if:

• you are 65 or older
• you live in Canada
• you get the Old Age Security pension
• your income is below the maximum annual income threshold for the GIS based on your marital status

You apply for the GIS at the same time as you apply for the OAS pension.

One-time grant for Guaranteed Income Supplement recipients who received pandemic benefits

If you saw a reduction or loss of benefits in July 2021 due to the receipt of pandemic benefits in 2020, you could receive a one-time grant.

One-time payment for older seniors

You may also be eligible for the One-time payment for older seniors if:

• you are eligible for the Old Age Security pension as of June 2021, and
• were born on or before June 30, 1947

Benefits for your spouse or common-law partner

Allowance

If you are eligible to receive the Guaranteed Income Supplement, your spouse or common-law partner may be able to receive the Allowance if your spouse or common-law partner:

• is 60 to 64 years of age
• is a Canadian citizen or a legal resident
• resides in Canada and has resided in Canada for at least 10 years since the age of 18
• your combined annual income is less than the maximum annual income threshold for the Allowance

Allowance for the Survivor

You could receive the Allowance for the Survivor if:

• you are 60 to 64 years of age
• your spouse or common-law partner has died and you have not remarried or entered into a common-law relationship
• your annual income is less than the maximum annual income threshold for the Allowance for the Survivor

Reference: https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp/old-age-security.html

Physical activity improves health and well-being. It reduces stress, strengthens the heart and lungs, increases energy levels, helps you maintain and achieve a healthy body weight and it improves your outlook on life.

Research shows that physical inactivity can cause premature death, chronic disease and disability. Health Canada encourages Canadians to integrate physical activity into their every day life; at home, at school, at work, at play and on the way … that’s active living!

For children, regular physical activity is essential for healthy growth and development. For adults, it allows daily tasks to be accomplished with greater ease and comfort and with less fatigue.

For seniors, weight-bearing physical activity reduces the rate of bone loss associated with osteoporosis. Regular physical activity also maintains strength, flexibility, balance, and coordination, and can help reduce the risk of falls.

Being physically active not only strengthens your body, it also makes you feel good about yourself.

What Can You Do?

Physical activity is something that everyone can do. You don’t need to run a marathon or spend hours at a gym. Look for simple ways to be physically active every day.

You could:

• Take a walk once a day;
• Take the stairs instead of the elevator;
• Spend less time in front of the television or computer;
• Play actively with your kids;
• Walk, wheel or cycle for short trips; or
• Find out about walking and cycling paths nearby and use them.

To help you become more active in your every day life, consult Tips to Get Active for children, youth, adults and older adults. These are designed to help you make wise choices about physical activity; choices that will improve your health, help prevent disease and allow you to get the most out of life.

Reference：

https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/healthy-living/physical-activity.html

There’s No Place Like Home… But…

There’s no place like home—and sometimes it seems like there’s no place safer. For seniors, however, the home is where many injuries occur, and most of these are due to falls. Changes that are part of the normal aging process, such as declining vision, hearing, sense of touch or smell and bone density can increase the risk of injury. Injuries can also be more of a problem for seniors because, as the body ages, it takes longer to heal and recover from injury.

You might think that “accidents just happen” and that nothing can really be done to prevent them. Not so. By taking some simple measures, you can considerably reduce your chances of being injured at home. It’s a matter of knowing what the potential hazards are, taking precautions and making adjustments. These changes can make a big difference!

This guide provides advice on how to prevent injuries by keeping your home, yourself and your environment as safe as you can. Checklists allow you to verify and increase the safety of your surroundings and lifestyle, and real-life stories offer testimony to the value of adapting.

As the old saying goes: “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” Inspecting your home and taking action to prevent home injuries can help you to live comfortably and safely for many years to come. We hope you will find this guide to be a practical tool to help you along the way.

The Facts: Seniors and Injury in Canada

Falls Cause Injuries and Death

Falls are the leading cause of injuries among Canadians 65 years and over. Between 20% and 30% of community-dwelling Canadian seniors experience one fall each year. Research suggests that falls are the direct cause of 95% of all hip fractures, leading to death in 20% of cases.

Hospitalization

Falls account for 85% of seniors’ injury-related hospitalizations, making this the leading cause of injury-related admissions for seniors. The average Canadian senior had to stay in hospital 10 days longer for falls than for any other cause. Falls are associated with over 1/3 of admissions to long-term care facilities after being released from the hospital.

Cost of Injuries

Apart from personal suffering, loss of independence and lower quality of life, the costs of seniors’ injuries to the health system are enormous – approximately $2 billion annually is spent on direct health care costs.

Where Injuries Occur

Approximately half of all falls that lead to hospitalization among seniors occur at home. The bathroom and stairs are particularly hazardous due to the risk of slipping, tripping and stumbling.

Fear of Falling

Seniors who fall may limit their activities for fear of falling again. Yet by limiting activities, they are likely to lose strength and flexibility and increase their risk of falling again. Maintaining physical activity is essential if you wish to prevent falls and injury.

Source: Seniors’ Falls in Canada: Second Report

The Facts: Aging Brings Changes

Aging affects each individual differently. Some seniors experience physical limitations that seriously affect their level of activity while others are able to remain quite active. The natural process of growing older, however, generally includes changes in abilities. If you’re experiencing some of the problems associated with the changes described below, consult your health professional and make sure you undertake whatever changes or adaptations will help you cope and compensate.

Vision

Eyes take longer to adjust from dark to light and vice versa, and become more sensitive to glare from sunlight or unshielded light bulbs. There is a decline in depth perception that can make it hard to judge distances. Perceiving contrasts and colours can also be more difficult.

Touch, Smell and Hearing

Sensitivity to heat, pain and pressure decreases; this may make it more difficult to detect a liquid’s temperature or changes in ground or floor surfaces. Sense of smell diminishes, making it harder to smell spoiled food, leaking gas and smoke. Hearing loss can result in difficulty hearing telephones, doorbells, smoke alarms, etc.; it can also result in a decrease in balance, which can make falling more likely.

Bone Density

Bones naturally become less dense and weaker with age. Bone loss (osteoporosis) among seniors can be worsened by lack of exercise and nutritional deficiencies. Bone loss can lead to painful fractures, disfigurement, lowered self-esteem and a reduction or loss of mobility.

Balance and Gait

Balance is a complex function involving eyes, inner ear, muscular strength and joint flexibility. Any one of these can change as a result of aging. A general decline in equilibrium can make it more difficult to maintain or recover balance, meaning that a slip or trip can become a fall. The speed of walking, the height to which the heels are lifted, and the length of a person’s stride can change with age. These changes can make it more likely for someone to experience a fall.

Memory

In general, sharp brains tend to stay sharp. Cognitive processing and memory may take a bit longer, but this is a normal effect of aging. This is why it’s important to make lists and keep phone numbers handy.

Most seniors develop effective coping mechanisms as they age. Being aware of the normal changes of aging allows you to plan for home and lifestyle adaptations that will help you retain your health, quality of life and independence.

Keeping Your Home Safe

Injuries can result from seemingly innocent things around your home—many of which are easily fixed or adapted after you do some detective work to track them down. The following checklists will help you inspect your home for evidence of trouble that may be waiting to happen. Every NO answer is a clue that your home may not be as safe as it could be and that you should be making the needed changes as soon as you can. Your safety depends on it!

Outside and Inside—Checklists

Outside

• Do all your entrances have an outdoor light? Yes_ No_
• Do your outdoor stairs, pathways or decks have railings and provide good traction (i.e. textured surfaces) Yes_ No_
• Are the front steps and walkways around your house in good repair and free of clutter, snow or leaves? Yes_ No_
• Do the doorways to your balcony or deck have a low sill or threshold? Yes_ No_
• Can you reach your mailbox safely and easily? Yes_ No_
• Is the number of your house clearly visible from the street and well lit at night? Yes_ No_

TIP: If you live in a rural area and don’t have a visible house number, make sure your name is on your mailbox and keep a clear description of directions to your home (main roads, landmarks, etc.) by each phone in your house.

Inside

• Are all rooms and hallways in your home well lit? Yes_ No_
• Are all throw rugs and scatter mats secured in place to keep them from slipping? Yes_ No_
• Have you removed scatter mats from the top of the stairs and high traffic areas? Yes_ No_
• Are your high traffic areas clear of obstacles? Yes_ No_
• Do you always watch that your pets are not underfoot? Yes_ No_
• If you use floor wax, do you use the non-skid kind? Yes_ No_
• Do you have a first aid kit and know where it is? Yes_ No_
• Do you have a list of emergency numbers near all phones? Yes_ No_

TIP: Install a seat at the entrance of your home to remove or put on your shoes and boots.

Avoid throw rugs and scatter mats. They’re dangerous!

Stairs

• Are your stairways well lit and do you have light switches at the top and bottom of the stairs? Yes_ No_
• Are your stairs in good repair and free of clutter? Yes_ No_
• Do the steps of your stairs have a non-skid surface? Yes_ No_
• Are there solid handrails on both sides of the stairway? Yes_ No_
• Do you remove your reading glasses when using the stairs? Yes_ No_

TIPS: To help avoid taking a misstep, you can paint wooden or concrete steps with a strip of contrasting colour on the edge of each step or on the top and bottom steps.

Don’t rush going up or down stairs. Rushing is a major cause of falls.

Are your stairs in good repair?

Fire and Hazardous Materials

• Do you have a smoke detector on every floor of your home? Yes_ No_
• Do you test your smoke detector every six months? Yes_ No_
• Have you developed an escape route in case of fire and a fire safety plan? Yes_ No_
• Are you registered on your apartment building’s fire safety plan? Yes_ No_
• Do you have a carbon monoxide detector in your home? Yes_ No_
• Are flammable and hazardous materials clearly labelled and properly stored? Yes_ No_
• If you use a space heater, is it placed well away from flammable substances and materials? Yes_ No_
• Do you use appropriate power bars to prevent overloading electrical outlets? Yes_ No_
• If you live in an older home, have you or an electrician inspected your wiring, fuse box, electrical cords and appliances for safety? Yes_ No_

TIP: To remember to test your smoke detector twice a year, make a habit of testing it when you turn your clocks forward in the spring and back in the fall.

Bathroom

• Do you test the water temperature before you get into the bathtub or shower? Yes_ No_
• Is your hot water temperature set to the recommended 49°C (120°F) ? Yes_ No_
• Do you have non-slip surfaces in the tub or shower? Yes_ No_
• Do bath mats next to the tub or shower have rubberized backing or are they secured in place to keep them from slipping? Yes_ No_
• Do you have a night light in the bathroom? Yes_ No_
• Does your bathroom door lock have an emergency release? Yes_ No_
• Do you have grab bars that have been properly placed and well anchored to the wall in the bathtub or shower? Yes_ No_
• If you have any trouble getting on and off the toilet, do you have a raised toilet seat and a grab bar that is well anchored? Yes_ No_
• If it’s difficult for you to take a shower standing up, have you considered a bath seat? Yes_ No_

TIP: Some tile and bath cleaning products actually increase slipperiness. Be careful when using such products.

Do you need a raised toilet seat?

Kitchen

• Are your pots and pans, canned goods and staple foods stored in an easy–to–reach location—between knee and shoulder heights? Yes_ No_
• Are heavy items stored in the lower cupboards and light items in the higher cupboards? Yes_ No_
• Do you have a stable step stool (with a safety rail) for reaching high places? Yes_ No_
• Are the “off” and “on” positions on the stove dials clearly marked? Yes_ No_
• Are your oven mitts within easy reach when you are cooking? Yes_ No_
• Do you make sure never to cook while wearing loose-fitting clothing or sleepwear? Yes_ No_
• Do you have a fire extinguisher in the kitchen, mounted on the wall away from the stove? Yes_ No_
• Do you regularly check that your fire extinguisher is in good operating order? Yes_ No_

TIP: Use heat-resistant oven mitts rather than potholders; they provide a better grip on hot containers and give you better protection against splatters and steam. If you do experience a burn, immerse in cool water (not ice or butter!).

Are your oven mitts in a handy location?

Bedroom

• Is there a light switch near the entrance to your bedroom? Yes_ No_
• Do you have a lamp or a light switch near your bed? Yes_ No_
• Do you keep night lights or other sources of light on in case you get up in the middle of the night? Yes_ No_
• Is there a clear path from your bed to the bathroom? Yes_ No_
• Do you have a phone and a list of emergency phone numbers near your bed? Yes_ No_

TIPS: Make sure your bed is not too high or low, so that it is easy to get in and out of it. You can purchase short bed rails to steady yourself when getting out of bed.

Is there a clear path from your bed to the bathroom?

Garage/Basement/Workroom

• Are your workroom and laundry room well lit? Yes_ No_
• Do you have a telephone in the basement and a list of emergency phone numbers? Yes_ No_
• Do you keep floors and benches clean to reduce fire and tripping hazards? Yes_ No_
• Are all your tools and service equipment in good condition? Are the safety locks on? Yes_ No_
• Is your work area well ventilated, summer and winter? Yes_ No_
• Are heavy items on lower shelves or in bottom cupboards? Yes_ No_
• Do you use a ladder or a stable step stool (with a safety rail) for reaching high places? Yes_ No_
• Are all chemicals, such as bleach, cleaners and paint thinners, clearly identified? Yes_ No_
• Are flammable materials stored as indicated by the directions on the label and away from sources of heat and flame? Yes_ No_
• If you have a gas barbecue, is your propane tank stored outside of the house? Yes_ No_

TIP: When you use a ladder, never stand or sit on the top three rungs. Maintain your balance by keeping your body centred between the rails, not reaching to the sides and not pushing or pulling on anything.

Childproofing

(a must, for doting grandparents)

• Have you removed items from your lower surfaces to prevent breakage, injury and spills? Yes_ No_
• Child-resistant caps are not childproof. Are all medications and pill boxes stored out of the reach of children? Yes_ No_
• Are household products and chemicals, such as cleaning products, paint, paint thinners and alcohol, stored and locked in a cupboard that is out of the reach of children? Yes_ No_
• Are cosmetic products, such as nail polish remover, creams, mouthwash and perfumes, out of the reach of children? Yes_ No_
• Have you stored small objects out of the sight and reach of younger children to prevent choking? Yes_ No_
• Have you installed safety catches on your cupboards and medicine cabinet doors? Yes_ No_
• Have you stored lighters, matches and candles out of the sight and reach of children? Yes_ No_
• Is there a safety latch on your stove and dishwasher? Yes_ No_
• Are extension, telephone and venetian blind cords out of children’s way? Yes_ No_
• Are your garage and workshop locked with deadbolts installed high on the doors? Yes_ No_

TIP: If you have a pool, or if there’s one in the building where you live, exercise extreme vigilance. Make sure the pool is absolutely off-limits to children by installing safety devices on house doors leading to the pool and a very high latch on the pool fence gates. Never leave any child without supervision.

Eileen’s Story

When Eileen Shannon was taking care of her ailing mother-in-law, she decided to get grab bars installed in the bathroom. She also got a bath seat. She was pretty familiar with safety devices and she knew her mother-in-law needed the support in the bathroom. Now, several years later, Eileen is surprised to find herself using those same grab bars. Although Eileen is fairly healthy, she did have two unexpected bouts of illness. “I thought, I’m 69, I won’t need those things. But when you get ill, and you come back from the hospital and you’re weak, you’re mighty glad to have that bar on the bathtub wall.”

Eileen’s house has other safety features that she installed and finds handy, such as improved lighting, night lights, and lever taps that are easy to turn. As she lives in a large house and her home is the place where everyone gathers for family get-togethers, she has also childproofed the rooms. When she looks ahead to the future, she sees herself remaining in this house safely for a long time to come.

Keeping Yourself Healthy and Active

What does home safety have to do with fitness and food? Plenty! Spending time and energy on your health can provide a big pay-off. You’ll not only feel better, you’ll be considerably reducing your chances of having a fall or other injury.

Benefits of Healthy Eating

The foods you eat build and maintain your body. With age, your body continues to need essential nutrients to function correctly. Food deficiencies in seniors can cause or increase the risk of bone loss, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, etc.—all of which increase your risk of falling. Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide provides general guidelines on the foods you need to maintain or improve your health. This Guide is available on Health Canada Web site or through 1 800 O-Canada (1-800-622-6232).

Healthy eating promotes a healthy heart, strong bones and good resistance to infection and injury. Eating poorly, skipping meals or not eating enough can cause weakness and dizziness and increase your risk of a fall. That’s also why it’s so important to eat regular, well-balanced meals every day.

Nutrition—Checklist

Nutrition

• Have you checked out Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide to understand your basic nutritional needs? Yes_ No_
• Do you eat a variety of foods from each food group every day? Yes_ No_
• Do you eat a variety of fruits and vegetables? Yes_ No_
• Do you often choose whole grain and enriched products? Yes_ No_
• Do you often choose lower-fat foods and milk products? Yes_ No_
• Do you select leaner meats, poultry and fish, as well as dried peas, beans and lentils? Yes_ No_
• Skipping meals can cause weakness and dizziness. Do you eat at regular times? Yes_ No_

Benefits of Active Living

Remaining physically active also reduces your risk of falling by giving you more flexible joints, stronger bones and muscles, better heart and lung function, more energy, less fatigue, better sleep and less anxiety and depression. Being active includes everyday activities, such as walking, climbing stairs, gardening and shopping, as well as exercise classes and recreational activities like swimming, golfing and Tai Chi. Whatever your current physical condition, you can engage in some form of physical activity with the help of your doctor.

The Public Health Agency of Canada’s Physical Activity Tips for Older Adults explain why physical activity is important for seniors and offer easy ways to increase your level of activity.

Physical Activity—Checklist

• Have you checked out Eating Well with Canada’s Food Guide to understand your basic nutritional needs? Yes_ No_
• Have you had a check-up recently and talked to your doctor about increasing your physical activity? Yes_ No_
• Do you make sure you have regular and appropriate physical activity that stimulates your muscles and heart? Yes_ No_
• Do you make sure you have regular and appropriate physical activity that stimulates your muscles and heart? Yes_ No_
• Do you choose physical activity whenever you can (walk instead of taking the car, use the stairs instead of the elevator)? Yes_ No_

There’s no time like the present. Even when physical activity starts in later life, it can lead to significant improvements in your health and quality of life. Choose activities that will build your endurance, increase your flexibility and improve your strength and balance. Remember to check with your doctor first and to start slowly.

Eleanor’s Story

In Eleanor Mills’ opinion, “it’s absolutely never too late” to start exercising. When she was 68 years old, Eleanor was almost bedridden and “barely able to teeter across a room.” When she was 81 years old, however, she was leading five-kilometre walks in cities across the country.

Eleanor had advanced osteoporosis, a disease in which the bones become so thin and brittle that they break easily. In time, several of her vertebrae collapsed, and three years later she suffered further fractures. “With the pain and agony and the lack of activity—because I could hardly do anything at all—I went down to 46% bone density. I really began to feel like a china cup walking around because it really is about half the strength you should have.”

Eleanor knew that one of the best ways to improve her condition was to be active. She started challenging herself to walk a little bit each day. “I was in terribly bad shape,” she says. “I only kept going because I knew that if you keep still, you lose more bone than ever. It goes much faster.” Through exercise, good nutrition and medical treatment, Eleanor eventually increased her bone density by 20%.

A turning point came when Eleanor first tried a walker. “I simply flew along, and I said to myself, ‘Gee, I could walk to Vancouver with this?’” It was Eleanor’s idea to form what was called the “Boney Express,” a series of walks to raise money for, and awareness of, osteoporosis.

Eleanor admits that when she first used the walker, she felt a little strange and wondered what people would think. “There are many people who have resisted getting a walker because it sort of labelled them as unable. And I did feel a little odd pushing around what seemed like an empty chair because my walker has a seat. But that is so much offset by the value of the walker that I very soon got over it. I think we should welcome all the aids we can find, and we must be proud that we can do so much more when we use them.”

One of Eleanor’s goals is to try walking for the whole day. As she puts it, “I just want to see how far I can go.”

Keeping Track of Your Medicine

Seniors may be more prone to illness due to the weakening of the body’s natural defences. It’s not surprising, therefore, that many require a greater number of drugs to treat their health problems. Because seniors also tend to have more than one health problem, they may receive multiple prescriptions or they may combine prescription drugs with over-the-counter products or with natural remedies. Given that the aging body is more sensitive to the effects of many medications, the combinations can cancel the benefits of any or all medications and produce adverse reactions, such as memory loss, sleepiness, agitation and confusion. These effects have been associated with falls and other injuries.

Medication Safety—Checklist

Medication

• Have you talked to your health care professional about alternatives to medication? (Medication may not always be the best solution.) Yes_ No_
• Have you told all your doctors and your pharmacist about all of the medicine you’re taking (prescription, over-the-counter or herbal) as well as your use of alcohol and/or tobacco? Yes_ No_
• Do you read the instructions on each of your medication containers to check for side effects or possible ill effects of combining one medication with another? Yes_ No_
• Do you take your medication exactly as prescribed or know of any alternative instructions should you forget to take it? Yes_ No_
• Do you have a list of what medications you are currently taking, and is your family aware of it? Yes_ No_
• If you have medication allergies, do you wear a bracelet or necklace to show this? Yes_ No_
• Do you use only one pharmacy for all your prescription needs? Yes_ No_
• Have you gone through your medicine cabinet and discarded any medicines that are past the “Best before” date? Yes_ No_
• Whenever you get a new medicine, do you ask for and obtain all the information on its use and side effects? Yes_ No_

TIPS: Don’t mix drugs and alcohol. Alcohol can react with many common medications, including tranquillizers, sleeping pills, cold or allergy medicines, high blood pressure pills and pain medication.

To inform your doctor or pharmacist about all the medications you take, put all your medications, including herbal remedies, over-the-counter and non-prescription medicines in a bag and take it to your next doctor’s appointment or pharmacy visit.

If your medication causes dizziness or sleepiness, adjust your activities so your aren’t at risk of falling.

Margaret’s Story

Margaret Deschamps believes in being on top of the medications she’s taking. One of her friends suffered from an accidental overdose of medication because she’d gone to two different doctors and was prescribed two different drugs with similar ingredients. Margaret has always been careful about her medicine, and this made her even more so.

“I make sure I know everything there is to know about my medication’s side effects and bad combinations. I’ve found out that there’s one pill I take that can’t be combined with grapefruit! It’s really important to ask the questions. There’s no reason to be afraid: you ask, and you get an answer. When you go to the drugstore, they can write everything down for you [about your medication], the side effects and all. They’ll even check if you’re taking medication from another doctor.”

As Margaret explains, “You can often have several doctors: a general practitioner, a heart specialist, a rheumatologist, etc. And one doesn’t always know what the other ones are giving you. But if you go to the same drugstore and you’re prescribed something that, along with your other medication, could cause an adverse reaction or an overdose, they can let you know. They can contact the doctors, if necessary. This is a marvelous service that many drugstores offer now.”

Keeping Safe with Safety Aids

Many of the products on the market today can make your life easier, more enjoyable and safer. Many are not very expensive, and some would make nice gifts. These products can be found in hardware stores, pharmacies, medical supply stores, mail-order catalogues and other specialty stores. Also look in the Yellow Pages under “Senior Citizens’ Services and Centres,” “Hospital Equipment and Supplies,” “Medical Equipment and Supplies” and “Orthopedic Appliances.”

Useful Aids

For Walking

Canes can be a handy aid for walking, and these days they come in some fashionable styles too. It’s very important to make sure your cane is the right height and the rubber tips are checked every once in a while to ensure they are still in good shape. Wrist straps can be attached to your cane to prevent dropping. A clip can be put on the cane so that it will hang on the edge of a table or walker.

Cane spikes fit over the end of your cane for extra grip on an icy day. Spikes with four or five prongs are best. Many spike attachments flip up or down as needed. The spikes should be flipped up or taken off your cane when you enter a store or shopping mall, as the spike can slip on floor surfaces.

Safety soles are anti-skid detachable soles with studded treads that make walking safer in the wintertime. The safest design is a full sole that runs the entire length of the shoe. These have to be removed when you are walking indoors, such as in a shopping mall, since they will slip on floor surfaces.

Walkers—If walking for 20 minutes without help is a problem for you, an inside or an outside walker could be worth having. With a walker, you can go further, longer and, with some models, you can even have a seat when you want to take a rest. Many models also come with a basket for carrying packages. Special tote bags, trays, and cane and oxygen holders that attach to the walker can also be purchased.

Appropriate footwear—Comfortable shoes that provide good support can help to prevent falls. Lower heels are easier on your feet and back and are more stable for walking. Elastic laces are available to make laced shoes easier to get on and off. Beware: easy-on shoes or slippers without fitting around the heel (i.e. backless) can be dangerous; shoes with smooth, slippery soles can cause you to fall; and composition soles, such as crepe soles, can stick to carpets and cause you to trip.

Bathroom Aids

Ensure that you have non-slip surfaces in the tub or shower. There are products available, i.e. anti-slip liquids, that can be applied directly to the tub itself to create a non-slip surface.

Bath mats on the floor beside the tub should have rubberized or non-skid backing.

Bath seats allow you to take a shower sitting down. If you have trouble standing, or if you find it difficult to lower yourself into the tub, a bath seat will help you. Some models are specially designed to make it easier to get in and out of the tub.

Grab bars and poles can be installed by the bathtub or shower and beside the toilet to provide more stability and help prevent slips and falls. Grab bars must be anchored firmly into the studs in the wall. Towel racks or soap dishes should never be used for support! Floor-to-ceiling poles, securely installed, can also help to steady you while getting out of bed or while dressing.

Hand-held shower heads can make showering easier, especially if you’re using a bath seat. The shower head can also be installed with two or three mounting positions, allowing it to be used by standing or seated bathers. This type of shower head is inexpensive, widely available and relatively easy to install.

Raised toilet seats (by 10 to 15 cm) can make getting on and off the toilet easier. There are many designs available — some adjustable, some portable and some with safety/hand rails.

Kitchen Aids

An automatic shut-off is featured on many appliances, such as kettles, irons, electric frying pans, toaster ovens. The switch turns the appliance off once it has been idle for a few minutes’ time, eliminating the potential risk of fire.

Large-handle utensils give you a better grip. So do L-shaped knives and heavy cutlery. Find out what’s available for cooking and eating safely.

Pot stabilizers consist of a wire frame that keeps pots from spinning while you’re stirring the contents. Since this item holds the pot handle in place, it can also prevent the cook or any children from accidentally knocking the pot off the stove. Pot watchers are small ceramic disks that are inserted in the pot to prevent boiling over. These can be purchased in most kitchen gadget stores.

Stepladders can keep you from harm. Don’t risk your safety reaching for an item on your top shelves. Get someone to reach for you or use a short stepladder with a grab bar.

Reachers are very useful for those who have trouble bending or reaching high places. Many have suction cups, grips or magnets on the ends to ensure a firm grip on the object to be reached.

Vision Aids

There are a number of technologies available to help you with vision loss, from sunglasses to large playing cards, and from large pad touch-tone phones to magnifying glasses. Vision rehabilitation clinics and a wide range of assistive devices are available across the country in eye care centres and through the Canadian National Institute for the Blind (CNIB).

Hearing Aids

Most people report significant benefits from hearing aids—in family relationships, mental health and other areas that affect the quality of their lives. Devices, such as a hearing aid, a telephone handset with built-in volume control, and a flashing light to signal when your doorbell or telephone rings, can help to compensate for loss of hearing. Keep in mind that choosing a hearing aid is a very individual process and the right device for you depends on your preferences and the nature of your hearing problem. Ask your family doctor about regular hearing testing, and if required, consult a qualified hearing health professional for the trial and purchase of a hearing aid.

Memory Aids

There are a number of ways to compensate for memory loss, such as writing down information, using pictures on containers and cupboards to label contents and putting your medications in pill organizers. Some technologies are also available, such as talking clocks and vibrating watches. Important factors in stabilizing memory with age are physical activity, a healthy diet and social activities.

Other Aids

Cordless and cellular telephones can be safer because the receiver can be separated from the telephone’s base, eliminating the need to run telephone cords across a room or across frequently travelled areas. You can keep the phone close at hand and don’t have to run to answer it; you can sit in your favourite chair while you talk.

Medication organizers (dosettes) are compartment boxes designed to help you keep track of medications. They’re available in drugstores.

Wire/cord clips enable you to tack down electrical and telephone cords along the walls so they don’t run across the floors, where they’re more likely to cause you to trip. You can find these clips at most hardware stores.

Emergency response systems are communication devices that will get help for you in case of an emergency. A variety of businesses and some non-profit organizations are involved in this kind of service. The company will install the device in your home for a minimal price and then charge a monthly fee to monitor the unit. You wear a wristwatch or pendant-type of device with a call button, which you press in case of an emergency. To find out more about these devices, look in the Yellow Pages under “Medical Alarms.”

First aid kits can be a godsend when there’s an emergency. Make up your own first aid kit or purchase one from a reputable provider. Take note of where you keep it.

Asking for Help

One of your best aids is your own voice. Don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it. Most people are delighted to be of assistance, and asking for help may well respond to your neighbours’ and friends’ need to be useful and to enjoy your company! All kinds of community and health services are available, for example, Meals on Wheels. Asking for help is also a way to keep safe by making your environment aware of your presence and your needs.

Peter’s Story

Peter is a 75-year-old veteran who was severely paralyzed in a car accident. A keen volunteer, he had enjoyed working with students at his local library. After his accident, he underwent therapy but worried that he would not regain his autonomy or remain a useful member of society. His health and spirits sagged.

The therapy paid off and he was eventually able to sit and use an electric chair. From then on, Peter began to reclaim his life. “My objective was to become useful again. At first, I was very wary of trying new gadgets and aids. I felt it made me look vulnerable.”

With time, Peter learned to navigate his wheelchair with art. He also learned to use the computer to write because of his weak right hand and acquired many of the bathroom and kitchen aids that facilitate his daily activities. He started to use Meals on Wheels and has become great friends with the senior who makes the deliveries.

He returned to his volunteer work when at his request, the library gladly had the three-step entrance made level and provided facilities for him to use the washroom. He now enjoys his students again and feels very much part of the community.

“I don’t care who sees me using aids anymore, I just want to stay safe. And I try to get all the help I can. It feels good knowing that my neighbours know me!”

Keeping Safe Through Adapting Your Home

If you’re thinking of renovating, why not consider adding a few additional safety features to your home to help make it a comfortable and safer place for years to come? Should you decide to move, the increased safety and accessibility could also be selling features. Word of mouth is often the best way to find reliable tradespeople to do renovations. Ask friends and acquaintances for information, and be sure to get price quotes from at least two potential contractors. The following suggestions will give you some ideas for your renovation planning.

Useful Changes

Lighting and Switches

It’s important to have plenty of well-positioned and well-diffused lighting. If you’re having electrical work done, consider adding lighting in high traffic areas, in stairways, in closets and over the bathroom sink and kitchen work areas. Install switches at the top and bottom of your stairs. Consider installing all switches lower on the walls if someone in your household uses a wheelchair. Rocker switches are easier to use. Dimmer switches allow you to leave certain lights on low, for example, between the bedroom and bathroom.

Electrical Outlets

Adding more electrical outlets will help prevent overloading or having to run electrical cords across areas where they may be in the way. Extension cords should never be used on a permanent basis since this presents a fire hazard. Power bars can help prevent short circuits and fires.

Doors

If you plan to work on or replace a door, check the height of the door sill or threshold. It should be no more than 1/2″ (13 mm) high. It may be a good idea to reduce or remove the door sill because uneven surfaces can lead to a trip or a fall. You may also want to widen doorways to accommodate wheelchairs or replace doorknobs with lever handles, which are easier to use. Also, consider the advantages of sliding or swinging doors, and doors that open outward.

Stairs

The backs of stairs should be closed in. There should be firmly anchored handrails on both sides of the stairway, which extend beyond the top and bottom steps and are mounted far enough out from the wall to allow for a solid grip. In addition, the stairway should be well lit and the steps should have a non-skid surface.

Flooring

If you’re replacing flooring, use non-glare, slip-resistant flooring material. A hard floor surface or tight pile carpeting is best. Consider using the same floor surface over different areas in order to eliminate uneven surfaces.

Shelving

For efficiency and convenience in your kitchen, consider adding lower level shelves, for example, between the counter top and cupboard level. Lower cupboards, sliding shelves and lazy susans in cupboard corners put kitchen items within easier reach.You may also wish to install lower shelves in your pantry and closets.

Taps, Shower Heads, Grab Bars

If you plan to replace your kitchen or bathroom taps, lever-type or control-arm-type faucet handles are easier to use. When you add grab bars, make sure to install them solidly on the wall studs. A hand-held shower head is easier to use when using a bath seat.

Locks and Latches

Door locks in bathrooms must have an emergency release. Locks and latches should have large, easily manipulated knobs or levers. The market now has models that offer both safety and security, such as push-button or card-access locks.

Workroom

Windows and overhead lights are a must. Additional lighting should also be available over benches and stationary tools. Adequate ventilation systems are needed to vent smoke, fumes and exhaust gases. Open windows and doors may provide enough ventilation in the summer but not in the winter. The wiring must be of adequate capacity to handle lighting, heating and power tool requirements.

Stan’s Story

Seven years ago, when the Krzaniaks decided to have some renovations done to their home, they were thinking ahead to the future: they had a small laundry room built on the back of their three-bedroom bungalow. “When everything is on one floor, it’s like living in a condominium, really,” says Stan.

The Krzaniaks also added other safety features to the house. “We installed rails on both sides of the stairs to the basement. We have a total of six telephones in the house—if a telephone rings, you never have to run! We have smoke detectors and lots of lights. One thing we might add later on is rails along the hall, or wherever we’ve got an open wall. That’s a small thing to do.”

Stan recently suffered a heart attack. He now participates in mall walking to help recuperate. He has also started hiring people to do many of the outdoor chores he used to do himself—like shoveling snow and digging the garden. The Krzaniaks are fortunate to have the savings to spend this way. In Stan’s opinion, it’s money well spent. “I think you have to balance the benefits against the expense. If you look at the number of people who’ve fallen down with heart attacks while shoveling snow—why, it probably pays to get someone to do it.”

The Krzaniaks feel that the precautions they’re taking around the house are their way of promoting their independence for a long time to come.

You CAN prevent falls!

Falls are by far the leading cause of seniors’ injuries and injury-related hospitalization in Canada. They cause pain and, for many, lead to a move from home to a care establishment. They often cost seniors their independence and quality of life. They also represent huge costs to our health system. Yet most falls incurred by seniors are preventable.

Whether you live in a house, a condo or an apartment, living safely at home requires adapting your environment, your behaviour and your lifestyle to the normal changes that age brings.

You need to make sure your home is safe. This may involve installing brighter lighting, moving your furniture around, uncluttering your floors, rethinking the arrangement of your storage shelves, putting in night lights or getting a good fire extinguisher.

You need to keep yourself healthy and active. Whatever your physical condition, it’s never too late to eat well and to be more active. Consult your health professional if you’re in doubt about a new diet or a new exercise program. Not only will this benefit your overall health and increase your resistance to disease, it will also help you maintain the balance and strength you need to ward off falls and serious injury at home and elsewhere.

You need to recognize that assistive devices and gadgets are a smart way to make your everyday life easier, independent and safe. Find out which are available and use them!

Every change you make to adapt your home and to stay healthy will help keep you from falls and injury. We hope that this guide has provided you with many suggestions that will allow you to remain safely in your own home for many years to come.

Reference：

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/aging-seniors/publications/publications-general-public/safe-living-guide-a-guide-home-safety-seniors.html

Backgrounder

The Age Well at Home initiative is a new federal grants and contributions program. The funding supports projects that enable seniors to age in place by providing support under two streams:

• In-Home Support Pilot Projects; and
• Scaling Up for Seniors.

In-Home Support Pilot Projects stream

Under the In-Home Support Pilot Projects stream, eligible organizations with experience delivering volunteer-based services to low-income and otherwise vulnerable seniors can receive funding to expand their services to more seniors or offer additional services, as well as help seniors navigate and access eligible services provided by other local organizations. Eligible services are:

• light housekeeping (such as laundry, cleaning);
• meal delivery and/or preparation;
• home maintenance (such as repairs, yard work, lawn mowing);
• transportation (such as to appointments, errands);
• snow removal;
• volunteer drop-offs (such as groceries, medication, pet supplies); and
• friendly visiting in the home.

Eligible organizations for the In-Home Support Pilot Projects stream include:

• not-for-profit organizations;
• municipal governments;
• educational institutions;
• Indigenous entities (including band councils, tribal councils and self-government entities); and
• health and social services institutions.

Provincially/territorially funded public institutions are eligible to receive funding, with the agreement of the provincial/territorial government.

Projects must take place within a local area (not on a national or provincial/territorial scale) and end by March 31, 2025, with funding between $300,000 and $800,000 available per project.

For more information about the In-Home Support Pilot Projects stream, visit the funding page.

Scaling Up for Seniors stream

Under the Scaling Up for Seniors stream, organizations can receive funding to expand services that have already demonstrated results in helping seniors age in place. Applications must include the delivery of services in more than one province or territory. Indigenous governments and organizations located in Quebec can choose whether to propose to scale up within a single province or territory.

Eligible organizations for the Scaling Up for Seniors stream include:

• not-for-profit organizations;
• municipal governments;
• educational institutions;
• Indigenous entities (including band councils, tribal councils and self-government entities); and
• health and social services institutions.

Provincially/territorially funded public institutions are eligible to receive funding, with the agreement of the provincial/territorial government.

Projects must scale up services that have already shown positive results in Canada in helping seniors age in place, and must end by March 31, 2025, with funding between $100,000 and $2 million available per project.

For more information about the Scaling Up for Seniors stream, visit the funding page.

Note that only one project per organization may be funded under the Age Well at Home initiative.

Organizations located in Quebec whose application for funding is accepted may need to receive approval from the Quebec government prior to the project start date. 

Reference：

https://www.canada.ca/en/employment-social-development/news/2022/06/backgrounder-age-well-at-home.html

Starting to save early means you have to save less

It’s never too early to start saving for retirement. This may make saving and planning for retirement easier than starting to save later in your career.

Saving early means:

• you have to save less each month
• your money will have more time to earn a larger amount of compound interest

Example: How much you need to save each month if you start to save for retirement early

Suppose you plan to retire in 20 years. You want to save $75,000 for your retirement. You’re earning an annual interest rate of 5% compounded on your savings.

Compare how much you’d have to save each month if you start to save now or in 10 years. When you have 20 years to save instead of 10 years, you have to put $14,160 less into the bank to reach your goal. This is because you earn more money in interest the longer you save. In this example, you earn $14,020 more in interest when you have 20 years to save than when you have 10 years to save.

Years you have to save	How much you need to save per month	Amount saved	Amount of interest earned
With 20 years to save	$181	$74,400	$30,960
With 10 years to save	$480	$74,540	$16,940

The following graph shows how you have to save less each month if you start to save early.

Figure 1: How starting to save early means you have to save less each month

Figure 1 – Text version

Note: the numbers are calculated using the Ontario Securities Commission’s Compound Interest Calculator.

Consider how inflation will affect your savings

Inflation is the rising cost of consumer goods and services. It’s measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI). The CPI measures changes in the price of about 600 consumer goods and services over time.

You can look at the impact of inflation in two ways:

• it will increase the cost of goods and services you buy
• it will reduce the buying power of your savings over time

For example, a $100 purchase in the year 2006 costs approximately $118 is 2016.

Example: How inflation affects your retirement savings

Suppose you plan to retire in 20 years. You want to save what $50,000 buys today.

Based on an inflation rate of 2% per year, it will take $74,300 in 20 years to buy what costs $50,000 today.

How to start saving for retirement

Start a habit of saving a portion of your pay from every paycheque if you can afford it. The earlier you start saving, the longer your money can earn interest and grow.

To reach your savings goals, learn about:

• different investment tools
• registered savings plans

Using automatic payments and deposits can be a good way to save money. Contact your financial institution to have a set amount of your pay automatically deposited into a savings account. Consider increasing the amount of the automatic payments or deposits as your pay increases.

Balancing your current financial priorities

Saving for retirement can be difficult when you have other demands on your money, like a mortgage or rent, car payments or student loans. Make a budget so you can better figure out how much money you can afford to save for retirement.

Reference：

https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/retirement-planning/start-saving-retirement.html

The Facts

• Falls are the leading cause of injury among older Canadians.
• 20-30% of seniors experience one or more falls each year.
• Falls are the cause of 85% of seniors’ injury-related hospitalizations.
• Falls are the cause of 95% of all hip-fractures.
• 50% of all falls causing hospitalization happen at home.

Protect Yourself

Anyone can fall. But as we age, our risk of falling becomes greater. That’s the bad news. The good news is that falls can be prevented. The first step to avoiding falls is to understand what causes them. For example, poor balance, decreased muscle and bone strength, reduced vision or hearing, and unsafe conditions in and around your home can increase your chance of falling. Staying safe and on your feet is a matter of taking some steps to protect yourself.

You can prevent falls by making the needed adjustments to your home and lifestyle, and by making sure you eat well, stay fit, and use whatever devices will facilitate your daily life while keeping you safe. Your independence and well-being are at stake. Take action!

Your Home

Bathroom

• Ensure that you have non-slip surfaces in the tub or shower.
• Install grab bars by the toilet and bath to help you sit and stand. Make sure they are well anchored.
• Use a raised toilet seat, and a bath seat in the shower, if you need them.
• Wipe up moisture or spills immediately.

Living Room and Bedroom

• Reduce clutter! Get rid of loose wires and cords as well as any other obstacles.
• Consider using a cordless phone to avoid rushing to answer.
• Have good lighting throughout the house and install night lights.
• Make sure the path is clear between the bedroom and bathroom.
• Scatter mats are tripping hazards. Get rid of them or make sure they are non-slip.
• Move slowly out of your bed or chair. Getting up suddenly can make you dizzy.

Kitchen

• Store kitchen supplies and pots and pans in easy-to-reach locations.
• Store heavy items in lower cupboards.
• Use a stable step stool with a safety rail for reaching high places.
• Always wipe up any spills immediately to prevent slipping.
• If you use floor wax, use the non-skid kind.
• Ask for help with tasks that you feel you can’t do safely.

Stairs

• Make sure your stairs are well lit.
• Have solid handrails on both sides of the stairway.
• Remove your reading glasses when you go up or down the stairs.
• Never rush up or down the stairs. It’s a major cause of falls.

Exterior

• Keep front steps and walkway in good repair and free of snow, ice and leaves.
• Keep front entrance well lit.
• Put gardening implements such as hoses and rakes away when not using them.

Ask for help with tasks that you feel you can’t do safely.

Your Health

Eat Healthy Meals

• Nutritious meals keep up strength, resistance and balance. Eat lots of vegetables and fruits.
• Don’t skip meals. It can cause weakness and dizziness.

Keep Fit

• Engage in physical activity every day. It’s your best defence against falls.
• Walk. Try Tai Chi. Do what you can to maintain your flexibility and balance.
• Build your muscle and bone strength by doing “resistance” activities or exercises (such as weight lifting). Consult your doctor before you embark on an exercise program.
• Have your hearing and vision checked regularly.

Use Medication Wisely

• Ask your doctor or pharmacist about possible side effects of prescription or over-the-counter medication.
• Read directions carefully so you’re aware of potential reactions with other medications.
• If your medication causes dizziness or sleepiness, adjust your activities so you aren’t at risk of falling.
• Don’t mix alcohol and medications. Alone or in combination with drugs, alcohol can cause falls.

Use Safety Aids

• Don’t be embarrassed to use aids to daily living – they can keep you safe and active.
• Wear your glasses and hearing aid.
• Consider using a walker or cane. If you use a cane, make sure that it’s the correct height and that it’s rubber-tipped for safety.
• Appropriate footwear is important. Comfortable shoes that provide good support can help to prevent falls.
• Find out about other gadgets that can make your life safer: reachers, anti-skid soles, hip protectors, etc.
• Use them!

Take action. You CAN prevent falls!

If You Fall…

• Try to land on your buttocks to prevent more serious injuries.
• Don’t rush to get up. Make sure you are not injured before trying to get up or letting others help you get up.
• Don’t let the fear of falling again prevent you from being active. Inactivity creates an even greater risk of falling.

Reference：

https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/health-promotion/aging-seniors/publications/publications-general-public/you-prevent-falls.html

Overview

The Canada Pension Plan (CPP) retirement pension is a monthly, taxable benefit that replaces part of your income when you retire. If you qualify, you’ll receive the CPP retirement pension for the rest of your life. To qualify you must:

• be at least 60 years old
• have made at least one valid contribution to the CPP

Valid contributions can be either from work you did in Canada, or as the result of receiving credits from a former spouse or former common-law partner at the end of the relationship.

You must apply

CPP payments are not automatic. You must apply. You should apply in advance of when you want your pension to start.

Our goal is to pay your CPP retirement pension in the month of the start date you choose.

Pension amount

The amount you receive each month is based on your average earnings throughout your working life, your contributions to the CPP, and the age you decide to start your CPP retirement pension. Your contributions to the CPP are based on your earnings.

The standard age to start the pension is 65. However, you can start receiving it as early as age 60 or as late as age 70.

If you start receiving your pension earlier, the monthly amount you’ll receive will be smaller. If you decide to start later, you’ll receive a larger monthly amount. There’s no benefit to wait after age 70 to start receiving the pension. The maximum monthly amount you can receive is reached when you turn 70.

There are different factors that can affect how much you’ll receive, such as time taken off from work to care for young children. Find out more about how much you could receive. You can also work while receiving a CPP retirement pension.

How long will it take to process your application

We begin to process your application once we receive your completed application form. It will take:

• 7 to 14 days for online applications
• normally within 120 days for applications delivered at a Service Canada Centre
• normally within 120 days for applications sent by mail

It could take longer to process your application if Service Canada does not have a complete application.

Reference：

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/benefits/publicpensions/cpp.html