According to a 2023 survey, just 5% of Canadians named winter as their favorite season. For many people, the persistent low temperatures may be a problem. But for others, the physical dangers brought by snow and ice could contribute to their distaste for winter.
After all, falls are a common problem in Canada, especially in wet, snowy, and icy conditions. And the fallout can be severe: among Canadians aged 65 and over, falls are the main cause of hospitalization and injury-related deaths.
While local authorities play a major role in improving accessibility and providing a safe outdoor environment during winter, it’s important to take your own precautions at home.
But understanding the potential risks associated with winter, and the accessibility solutions available to address them, can be difficult. In this post, we’ll take a close look at four accessibility tips to help you prepare your home for winter.
Check Your Bathroom for Potential Hazards
Using the bathroom can be hazardous for seniors and people with disabilities, and that may be particularly true in winter.
Here are three examples of potential issues to consider:
Less visibility: Overcast skies and fewer hours of daylight can make bathrooms darker during winter. That may make individuals with vision impairments more vulnerable to falls and other mishaps. Proper lighting is important to reduce the risk of accidents. Consider installing motion-activated lighting: this will turn on when sensors detect human movement within the bathroom.
Bathing hazards: Many of us enjoy a hot soak on a cold day, and people may be more inclined to take baths during winter. But while lying in the tub might be relaxing, getting in and out can be dangerous (if not impossible) for seniors and individuals with disabilities. A walk-in bath is an accessible alternative to standard tubs, with a watertight door in the side for improved safety and convenience.
Condensation buildup and slips: People are more likely to leave bathroom windows closed during winter, even after taking a bath or shower. The steam generated will remain in the room, and that can create moist surfaces as condensation builds up. Floors and handholds may become slippery, increasing the likelihood of falls. Opening windows and fitting an extractor fan can help. But installing non-slip flooring may also prevent accidents and improve accessibility.
Consider the Lighting Setup Throughout Your Home
As there are fewer hours of daylight in winter, good lighting at home is crucial — especially for seniors and individuals living with a disability. They may struggle to reach a light switch at the standard height, and perhaps rely on a loved one or carer to handle the lighting on their behalf.
However, it’s easier than ever to implement an accessible lighting setup at home. Here are three options to explore:
Motion-activated lights: We mentioned motion-activated lights for bathrooms earlier, and they’re just as useful elsewhere in the home. They will switch on when the sensors recognize movement in a specific space, such as the living room or bedroom. That eliminates the need to interact with a switch.
Voice-activated lights: Certain types of lighting work with smart speakers (e.g. Alexa), so you can illuminate a room with a simple verbal instruction.
Lower light switches: When light switches are installed in properties, developers may take for granted that everyone can reach them. However, seniors with mobile limitations and wheelchair users could struggle to do so. Moving light switches to a more accessible position on a wall will eliminate this obstacle.
These three ideas can make for a safer home during winter and all year round.
Improve Safety and Accessibility Outside Your Home
When preparing your home for winter, improving accessibility in exterior areas is important too. One issue that seniors and people with a disability may face is using stairs.
Rain, snow, and ice can turn even shallow steps into a serious hazard. One slip could lead to injury, so it’s vital to explore ways to improve safety.
Here are three options to consider:
Outdoor stairlift:Â Stairlifts designed for outdoor use are a valuable option for seniors and individuals with disabilities. They operate just like indoor stairlifts: they transport you up or down the rail at a safe, stable pace. This can eliminate the need to climb wet or icy steps during winter.
Ramp: Installing a ramp is a straightforward way to bypass outdoor steps. They can benefit both seniors and wheelchair users, due to the slightly sloping surface and railings to hold on to.
Grab bars: Stairlifts and ramps are outstanding accessibility solutions for seniors and people with disabilities. But grab bars are another popular and reliable option to consider too. You may install these on either side of a doorway, for example, or beside a parking space. These provide secure handholds to grab while opening doors or getting into a vehicle.
Install Railings to Improve Safety
In winter, fitting multiple railings throughout the home can increase accessibility significantly. Hallways and rooms typically become darker earlier in the day, so navigating your home may feel more difficult at times (especially for individuals with a vision impairment). Having a railing to grab while moving from room to room can reduce danger and help you feel more independent.
Railings can create a more accessible home for seniors and individuals affected by a disability. They perform a similar function to grab bars, though they cover a larger surface. For example, installing a railing in a downstairs hallway will allow you to walk between your living room and kitchen more easily. You may not need to rely on another person to help you, in some cases.
Finding the Right Accessibility Solutions for Your Home in Winter
Improving accessibility at home can help seniors and people living with a disability prepare for winter. Grab bars, railings, stairlifts, and other products will create a safer, more accessible environment.
With more than 30 years of experience, Total Access Solutions has provided households in Toronto and the GTA with a wide range of accessibility products. We offer free at-home and virtual consultations to help you understand how we can help you. To schedule your consultation, contact our friendly team today.
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