Happy New Year one and all! On behalf of everyone at Advantage Home Health Solutions, we hope that 2026 is your happiest and safest year to date! As you know, the start of a new year is a traditional time to reflect on habits, routines and goals. For older adults, people living with disabilities and the caregivers who support them, New Year’s resolutions can be especially meaningful. Naturally, they should focus on safety, comfort and long-term independence.
Small, practical changes made today can help reduce the risk of injury and improve daily confidence. They can also make home life more enjoyable throughout the year ahead. Here are five New Year’s resolutions that support, health, safety and independence:
1. Make home safety a top priority.
As the Public Health Agency of Canada, falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalizations among Canadian seniors. They reveal that between 20 and 30 percent of seniors fall each year. As you can imagine, fall often occur in familiar spaces like bathrooms, stairways and entryways.
In 2026, resolve to assess the home for potential hazards. Loose rugs, poor lighting, cluttered walkways and steep stairs can all increase fall risk. Installing simple solutions such as grab bars, non-slip flooring, brighter LED lighting and handrails can make a significant difference. For multi-level homes, stair lifts or porch lifts can eliminate the need to navigate stairs altogether, restoring confidence and independence.
Caregivers may find it helpful to involve an Occupational Therapist in this process. These professionals can identify risks that are easy to overlook and recommend equipment tailored to the individual’s abilities and routines.
2. Schedule regular health and equipment check-ins.
Preventive care is a powerful resolution that often gets overlooked. This includes routine medical appointments, vision and hearing tests, and medication reviews. Small changes in eyesight, balance or hearing can have a large impact on safety if left unaddressed.
“Routine health screenings can help detect health issues early, often before symptoms appear,” says Senior Helpers, “Early detection can lead to more effective treatment and better outcomes. Regular check-ups can positively impact the quality of life and longevity for seniors. Knowing that health issues are being monitored and managed provides peace of mind for both seniors and their families.”
In addition to personal health check-ins, mobility equipment should also be inspected regularly. Walkers with worn rubber tips, wheelchairs with loose brakes or hospital beds with malfunctioning controls can pose safety risks. Resolving to schedule routine maintenance or professional inspections can help ensure equipment continues to function as intended. Caregivers can create a simple annual checklist that includes both health appointments and equipment servicing dates. Doing so will reduce both stress and last-minute scrambling.
3. Focus on strength, balance and gentle movement.
Physical activity remains one of the most effective ways to maintain independence and reduce fall risk. A realistic New Year’s resolution is to incorporate gentle, consistent movement into daily life. According to Edmonton’s Turning Point Physical Therapy, one of the most important benefits of strength training for seniors is its ability to counteract sarcopenia, which is the natural age-related loss of muscle mass.
“By engaging in regular strength training programs, seniors can rebuild and maintain their flexibility in muscle tissue,” informs their website, “This helps improve functional core strength, enabling seniors to move quickly, whether walking, lifting objects, or standing from a seated position.”
Activities such as seated exercises, light stretching, tai chi or supervised strength training can improve balance, flexibility and circulation. These exercises do not require a gym membership or advanced fitness level. Many can be done safely at home with minimal equipment. For caregivers, supporting this resolution may involve setting reminders, participating together, or arranging group classes through community centres or local seniors’ programs in Calgary and surrounding areas.
4. Practice better nutrition and hydration habits.
Nutrition often becomes more challenging with age or disability. This can be due to reduced appetite, difficulty preparing meals or swallowing concerns. A practical New Year’s resolution is to focus on consistent, balanced meals and adequate hydration.
As Living Assistance Services points out, “research indicates that healthy eating habits support wellness at every age, and seniors in particular can benefit from a nutritious meal plan. Healthy eating can lower your risk of heart disease and type II diabetes, prevent bone and muscle loss, and provide energy that improves your quality of life.”
Simple strategies such as preparing easy-to-access snacks, using adaptive kitchen tools or arranging meal delivery services can help maintain proper nutrition. Staying hydrated is equally important. Dehydration can contribute to dizziness, confusion and urinary tract infections. Caregivers can support this goal by watching for subtle signs of nutritional decline and encouraging regular meals in a relaxed, social environment.
5. Commit to better mobility support.
Mobility needs often change gradually, making it easy to delay seeking help. A strong New Year’s resolution is to address mobility challenges early rather than waiting for a fall or injury to occur. Using mobility aids such as walkers or rollators, wheelchairs or mobility scooters is not a sign of decline. Instead, these tools promote freedom, conserve energy and reduce strain on joints and muscles.
Power lift chairs can also be transformative. They help individuals stand and sit safely without assistance. Caregivers can support this resolution by encouraging open conversations about mobility concerns and helping loved ones explore available options. The right equipment can improve posture, reduce pain and make everyday activities more manageable.
Advantage Home Health Solutions can help!
New Year’s resolutions focused on health and safety do not need to be overwhelming. Small, steady improvements can lead to meaningful changes in comfort, independence, and peace of mind. At Advantage Home Health Solutions, we are proud to support older adults, caregivers and people with disabilities across Calgary and surrounding communities with practical mobility solutions and expert guidance.
We work closely with Occupational Therapists, home care providers and healthcare professionals to help create safer living spaces and functional homes. Our experience allows us to recommend solutions that have helped many clients facing similar challenges.
Please don’t hesitate to give us a call at 403-460-5438. You may also email us by filling out the form on our Contact page! We would be happy to help you start the new year feeling supported, informed and confident at home.
