Episode 30: Managing Fall Risks: Practical Solutions for Ageing Safely at Home

Posted: February 24, 2025 , in ComForConnections Podcast

As people live longer and healthier lives than previous generations, the ageing population continues to grow. By 2052, nearly a quarter of Canadians—24.9%—could be 65 years or older. Among them, those aged 85 and above are one of the fastest-growing demographics, with a 12% increase recorded between 2016 and 2021.

Most older Canadians express a strong desire to age in place, staying in their homes and communities. A 2020 survey revealed that 96% of Canadians aged 65 and older would do everything possible to avoid transitioning to long-term care facilities.

While some individuals can achieve this with the right support, others may need to move to congregate or institutional living settings. Data from the Canadian Institute for Health Information highlights that approximately 1 in 10 newly admitted long-term care residents might have been cared for at home with adequate resources. Still, the need for support remains significant—475,000 people, or 1.6% of the population, reported unmet home care needs in 2021, with older Canadians most affected.

In today’s ComForConnections episode, we’ll delve into the challenges and opportunities for ageing in place, focusing on how fall risk prevention strategies can help seniors thrive in the comfort and safety of their homes. We are joined by Kyla MacGinnis, RN, BScN, MN, Co-Founder of BuildAble, and Linda Meek, Business Development & Relations Manager at ComForCare Home Care - Ottawa-Champlain.

Click to listen to this episode:

About Our Guests:

Kyla MacGinnis, RN, BScN, MN, Co-Founder of BuildAble
Kyla MacGinnis is a clinical nurse specialist and the co-founder of BuildAble - Canada’s only nurse-managed construction company. BuildAble specializes in accessible design & renovations for individuals with physical disabilities, those with mobility-limiting illnesses or injuries, and seniors who want to safely age in place.

Kyla is a multiple award-winning entrepreneur, including being honoured with Businesswoman of the Year, Alumni of Distinction in Health Sciences, WOBOT Business Excellence Award’s Company to Watch and the City of Ottawa’s Accessibility Award.

Kyla is also a clinical instructor and faculty advisor for the University of Ottawa and Algonquin College in the Baccalaureate of Science in Nursing (BScN) program.

Linda Meek, Business Development & Relations Manager, ComForCare Home Care of Ottawa-Champlain

Linda is the Business Development and Relations Manager for ComForCare Home Care - Ottawa-Champlain. She is dedicated to helping families ensure their loved ones are provided with the care and services they deserve in whatever setting they call home.

Supporting and educating our seniors to navigate our Healthcare system is a strong focus point for Linda. She grew up in a small village in Scotland, where her grandmother taught her the importance of caring for others at a very young age, especially seniors living alone.

After studying Gerontology, Linda worked in Senior-centric organizations for over 20 years. She has met and befriended many Seniors and their Families in her 17-year journey as Executive Director in various retirement homes in the Ottawa area. Linda has served as a Board Member and Educator for the Ontario Retirement Communities Association, Board Member for the Council on Aging, and various committees. Linda currently serves on the Algonquin College advisory committee.

Show Notes:

The types of home modifications that typically are most needed to support older adults and individuals with disabilities
Factors driving the growing demand for home modifications in Canada
How ComForCare Home Care's programs support fall risk prevention and ageing in place
Key considerations to be kept in mind by ageing services professionals to help clients live as safely and independently as possible at home

Episode Resources:

Listen to more ComForConnections episodes here >>