The holiday season fully upon us! The Advantage Home Health Solutions team would like to wish you all the happiest of holidays! Please accept our warmest wishes to you and your loved ones. The holidays are a special time filled with gratitude, togetherness and reflection. We hope your season is filled with peace, comfort and joy.
As we look ahead to the new year, we wish each of you a safe, healthy and prosperous 2026. The start of a new year always feels like a fresh chapter. It’s an opportunity to take stock of what we’ve learned, the challenges we’ve overcome and the possibilities ahead. It is also an ideal time to explore practical ways to create a safer and healthier home environment. This is especially important for older adults, caregivers and people living with mobility challenges.
Review fall safety in the home.
Falls remain one of the leading causes of injury among seniors in Canada. As you can imagine, they are a particular problem during the winter months when ice and snow make outdoor areas more hazardous. Taking time at the start of the year to review fall-prevention strategies is a simple yet impactful step.
Indoors, ensure that all hallways, staircases and entrances are properly lit. Remove or secure loose rugs, de-clutter walkways and confirm that handrails are sturdy. In the bathroom, installing grab bars near toilets and inside showers can greatly increase stability. Outdoors, clearing ice promptly and wearing winter boots with slip-resistant soles can greatly reduce risks. These small but essential changes can help prevent injuries and support safer daily movement.
Finding Balance Alberta offers up some other effective ways to have a trip-free home. “Move furniture so you can reach all light switches and lamps,” they advise, “Keep your phone and items you use often within reach. Ensure furniture is stable. Repair or replace broken furniture. Run electrical cords along walls and behind furniture.”
Refresh and inspect your mobility aids.
As you’re surely aware, mobility aids play a crucial role in supporting independence. 2026 will be an ideal time to inspect them for wear and tear. Check that the wheels of your walker or rollator turn smoothly and their brakes are responsive. Does your wheelchair require adjustments, alignment or tire a replacement? Don’t hesitate to make the proper repairs, if they’re need.
If you rely on stair lifts, wheelchair lifts or wheelchair ramps, consider scheduling a service check to ensure they continue operating safely and reliably. It is also wise to reassess whether your current equipment still meets your mobility needs. If you’ve noticed increased discomfort, fatigue or difficulty with daily tasks, it may be time to explore enhanced or updated solutions.
As Ontario’s AGTA Home Health Care points out, proper mobility equipment maintenance guarantees safety. “Well-maintained equipment performs better, providing users with the support they need to live more independently,” says their website, “Moreover, regular maintenance can significantly extend the lifespan of mobility equipment. This can result in substantial cost savings over time, as well-maintained equipment will require fewer repairs and replacements.”
Assess the bathroom for safety.
Bathrooms are one of the most common areas for slips and falls due to wet surfaces and tight spaces. Fortunately, a few simple adjustments can make the bathroom significantly safer. Consider adding non-slip mats both inside and outside the tub or shower. Install a raised toilet seat for easier transfers. Also, use a handheld showerhead to allow for comfortable seated bathing.
Transfer benches and grab bars also offer additional support and stability. For individuals with more limited mobility, a bath chair may provide a secure and dignified way to maintain bathing independence. These modifications require minimal effort but deliver major improvements in daily safety.
Embrace ergonomic seating for better health.
Many people underestimate the impact that proper seating has on daily comfort and overall health. Poorly designed chairs can contribute to back pain, stiffness, poor circulation and difficulty standing. As we enter 2026, consider whether your current seating is supporting you effectively. As Pillars of Wellness makes clear, “good ergonomics aims to reduce strain, prevent injury, and create an environment that promotes comfort and efficiency.”
A well-fitted power recliner or lift chair is an excellent option for those seeking improved posture. It also helps with easier transitions from sitting to standing and enhanced overall comfort. These chairs reduce strain on joints, promote better spinal alignment and encourage healthy circulation. For individuals who spend long periods seated, the benefits can be life-changing, offering greater independence and improving quality of life.
Focus on daily movement and activity.
Supporting your health in 2026 will involve more than home modifications. It will also include maintaining regular physical activity. Even light movement can improve balance, strength, flexibility and cardiovascular health. Daily walks, short stretching routines or simple chair exercises can be extremely beneficial.
Activities such as gardening, dancing or gentle yoga offer enjoyable ways to stay active while promoting overall well-being. Engaging in movement that feels comfortable and enjoyable increases the likelihood of maintaining these habits throughout the year. Always consult a healthcare professional before beginning new exercise routines, especially if mobility concerns are present.
As ParticipACTION has made clear, “regular physical activity is one of the most effective and accessible forms of prevention. It plays a critical role in reducing the risk and severity of non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, hypertension, stroke, diabetes, and several types of cancer. Physically active children and youth are significantly less likely to develop risk factors for cardiovascular disease later in life.”
We wish you all a very happy and safe new year!
As we close out 2025 and welcome a new year of possibilities, we want to express our sincere appreciation for the trust and support of our clients, partners and community. It has been an honour to assist you in creating safer, more functional and more comfortable living environments. We look forward to continuing to serve you in 2026 with the same commitment to quality and care that you have come to expect from Advantage Home Health Solutions
If you or your loved ones have questions about mobility solutions, home safety or ways to support independent living in 2026, we are always here to help. 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! From our entire team, happy holidays and best wishes for a safe and successful 2026!
