Prevention
Updated March 2026 · 10 min read
Fall Prevention Home Safety Checklist for Canadians with Osteoporosis
Over 90% of hip fractures are caused by falls. For someone with osteoporosis, a fall that a younger person shrugs off can mean a life-altering fracture. The good news: most fall hazards at home are fixable, and Canadian government programs can help with the cost of modifications.
Why This Matters More with Osteoporosis
Falls happen to everyone. But when your bones are fragile, the consequences are different. A person with osteoporosis who falls sideways onto their hip can break it from the impact of landing — the same fall that wouldn't cause serious injury in someone with healthy bones. This isn't about eliminating falls entirely (that's impossible) — it's about reducing how often they happen and having a home environment that minimizes injury if they do.
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related hospitalization in Canada for adults over 65. According to the Public Health Agency of Canada, fall-related injuries cost the Canadian healthcare system more than $2 billion annually. Hip fractures alone have a 20–30% one-year mortality rate in older adults.
Before You Start: The Key Risk Factors
Physical risk factors matter as much as home hazards. Address both:
- Balance and strength — deteriorating balance is the single biggest fall risk factor. Exercises like tai chi, yoga, and balance training specifically reduce fall risk. See our exercise guide
- Vision — poor vision dramatically increases fall risk. Annual eye exams are important
- Medications — many common medications (sedatives, blood pressure drugs, antidepressants, diuretics) increase fall risk. Review with your pharmacist or doctor
- Footwear — socks on hardwood floors are a major fall risk. Supportive, non-slip footwear at home matters
Room-by-Room Home Safety Checklist
The bathroom is where the majority of home falls occur. Wet surfaces, awkward movements, and reaching are a dangerous combination.
☐Grab bar beside toilet — installed into studs or with a proper anchor; not a towel bar (which will pull out). Position: to the side and slightly behind where you sit
☐Grab bar in shower/tub — one horizontal bar for balance, optionally one angled bar for getting in/out. Stainless steel or chrome, 1.5" diameter grip
☐Non-slip bath mat with suction cups inside tub or shower. Check that suction cups are firmly attached — they degrade over time
☐Non-slip mat outside tub/shower — a wet person stepping out is vulnerable
☐Remove throw rugs — they slide. If needed, secure with non-slip rug pad or double-sided tape
☐Night light or illuminated switch — nighttime bathroom trips are a major fall risk
☐Shower chair or bench — for those with balance issues; allows seated showering
☐Raised toilet seat — reduces strain when sitting/standing; helpful for hip fracture recovery or low strength
☐Handheld shower head — allows showering without twisting or reaching across the body
☐Handrails on both sides of all staircases. Many Canadian homes only have one — add a second if possible
☐Handrails extend to the bottom and top step — most falls happen at the very beginning and end of a staircase
☐Non-slip stair treads — especially important on hardwood or tile stairs
☐Adequate lighting at top and bottom of stairs; light switches accessible from both ends
☐Clutter-free — stairs are not storage. Nothing on any step
☐Hallways clear — no electrical cords across pathways, furniture not encroaching on walking path
☐Secure loose carpeting — raised carpet edges are a major tripping hazard
☐Non-slip mat at sink — water drips create slip hazards
☐Frequently used items at waist height — avoid reaching overhead or bending deep for everyday items
☐Step stool with handle if overhead storage is needed — never stand on chairs
☐Clean up spills immediately — post a reminder if needed
☐Good lighting — under-cabinet task lighting for prep areas
☐Secure rugs — non-slip backing or removal of all small rugs
☐Bed height appropriate — you should be able to sit on the edge with feet flat on the floor. Beds that are too low make standing up dangerous
☐Nightlight or bedside lamp within reach — no crossing a dark room to reach the light switch
☐Clear path from bed to door and bathroom — walk it in the dark to identify hazards
☐Non-slip rug beside bed (secured), or no rug at all
☐Phone or medical alert device within reach of bed
☐Bedside grab bar or bed rail — for those with balance issues or recovering from fracture
☐Handrail at all exterior steps — especially important in winter
☐Non-slip surfaces on exterior steps and landing — textured concrete, non-slip tape, or rubber stair mats
☐Ice removal plan — salt, sand, or ice melt products stored near the door in winter; consider a long-handled ice scraper
☐Motion-activated exterior lights — especially for evening/winter entry
☐Non-slip entry mat — secure, not sliding
☐Bench or chair near entry — for sitting while removing/putting on shoes
☐Furniture arranged for clear pathways — no need to navigate around coffee tables in low-light
☐No electrical cords crossing walkways
☐Chairs with armrests — makes standing up much safer
☐Secure all area rugs with non-slip backing and double-sided tape at corners
☐Good overall lighting — older adults need more light; add floor lamps or brighter bulbs
☐Medical alert device — for those at high fall risk, a wearable alert system is worth considering
Provincial Funding for Home Modifications in Canada
Several Canadian programs help cover the cost of fall-prevention home modifications. These programs change regularly — verify current details with your provincial government or a home care coordinator.
| Province / Program | What's Available | Contact |
|---|
| Ontario — Home and Community Care Support Services | Occupational therapist home safety assessment; some modifications via Assistive Devices Program | healthcareathome.ca |
| BC — Seniors' Home Renovation Tax Credit | 15% refundable tax credit on eligible renovations, max $10,000 in expenses | gov.bc.ca |
| Alberta — Seniors Home Adaptation and Repair Program (SHARP) | Low-interest loans for eligible seniors for home adaptations | alberta.ca |
| Federal — Home Accessibility Tax Credit (HATC) | 15% non-refundable federal tax credit on up to $20,000 of eligible renovations for seniors and persons with disabilities | canada.ca/en/revenue-agency |
| Federal — Canada Mortgage and Housing (CMHC) | Flex Housing design standards; some adaptation funding | cmhc-schl.gc.ca |
| Nova Scotia — Senior Citizens Assistance Program | Grants for low-income seniors for home repairs including safety modifications | novascotia.ca |
Start with an occupational therapist (OT) assessment: Many provincial home care programs provide free OT home visits to identify fall hazards and recommend specific modifications. Your doctor can provide a referral. An OT assessment is often the most efficient way to prioritize what changes matter most for your specific home and mobility situation.
Hip Protectors: Worth Considering
Hip protectors are padded garments worn over the hip area that absorb or deflect the impact of a fall. Research shows they can reduce hip fracture risk by 15–50% in high-risk individuals, but only when worn consistently — and many people find them uncomfortable for daily wear. They're most useful for those in care facilities or people at very high fall risk who have significant osteoporosis.
Beyond the Home: Outdoor Safety in Canadian Winters
Canadian winters create seasonal fall risks that don't exist in warmer climates:
- Use ice cleats/traction devices that attach to shoes or boots in icy conditions
- Walk with shorter, shuffling steps on ice (the "penguin walk")
- Use a walking stick or trekking pole in winter
- Choose indoor routes when outdoor conditions are poor
- Wear non-slip winter boots with good ankle support
- Consider adjusting morning outdoor activities during ice events
For more on protecting your bones from fracture, see our guide to hip fracture prevention in Canada and our osteoporosis medications guide.
Medical Disclaimer: This checklist is for general guidance only. For a personalized fall risk assessment, speak with your family doctor or ask for an occupational therapist referral through your provincial home care program.