Your Journey, Your Home, Your Balance: A Personalized Fall-Prevention Plan for Loved Ones and Caregivers

Jenna Fralick, BScN RN

Introduction

For most families, safety at home feels simple — until it isn’t.One missed step on the stairs, one spill in the kitchen, and life changes in an instant. Every year, Nova Scotian families face the consequences of preventable falls — hospital stays, lost confidence, and the heavy “what if” that follows.

That’s why we believe fall prevention isn’t about fear — it’s about planning ahead with care, intention, and love. Creating a personalized fall-prevention plan is one of the most powerful ways to protect your independence and your peace of mind.

Why Personalized Prevention Matters

Every person’s body, lifestyle, and environment are different — yet most fall-prevention advice treats everyone the same. The truth is, the best prevention starts with personalization.

A 2024 study from the Canadian Journal of Community Health found that individualized home assessments reduced fall risk by 37%, compared to generic information pamphlets alone (Simpson et al., 2024).That’s because personalization looks at how someone actually lives — their morning routine, vision or balance changes, and even emotional confidence.

At Remember When HealthCare (RWHC), personalization means seeing the whole picture:

• The person (their abilities, habits, preferences)

• The space (their home layout and mobility needs)

• The support network (family, caregivers, friends)

This three-part view helps families prevent injuries, reduce anxiety, and strengthen the sense of safety that makes a house feel like home.

Building a Personalized Fall-Prevention Plan Together

Creating a personalized fall-prevention plan starts with conversation — not just checklists.Our nurses often begin by asking: “Where do you feel most unsteady?” or “What worries you when you’re alone?”

From there, we help families identify three key areas:

1. Environment – Lighting, rugs, railings, and layout adjustments

2. Health – Balance, medication side effects, vision or foot issues

3. Routine – Daily patterns that increase or reduce risk (rushing, multitasking, overexertion)

Simple changes can make a big impact: switching to non-slip footwear, reorganizing storage, or adding motion lights in hallways.More complex solutions might involve physiotherapy, adaptive equipment, or in-home nursing support.

Each plan is as unique as the person it protects — and that’s what makes it effective.

Caregiver Insight: “It’s Not Just About Falls, It’s About Freedom”

Our Care Director, Steph, often reminds families that prevention is about maintaining freedom, not limiting it.

“When we personalize fall prevention, we’re not wrapping someone in bubble wrap,” she says.“We’re helping them maintain their independence.”

That confidence ripple affects everyone — spouses who worry less, adult children who sleep better, and caregivers who can finally exhale knowing their loved one is safe.

For caregivers, prevention is also self-protection. Physical strain, fatigue, and distraction make family carers twice as likely to fall themselves (Harrison et al., 2022). Planning together keeps everyone standing strong.

Reclaiming Balance — Physically and Emotionally

After a fall, fear can linger long after bruises heal. Many adults begin to limit movement, avoid stairs, or give up favourite hobbies out of anxiety. This “fear of falling” can quietly reduce strength, confidence, and independence (King et al., 2021).

A personalized plan tackles both sides:

• Physical balance — through guided strength, flexibility, and mobility programs.

• Emotional balance — through education, reassurance, and small daily wins.

At RWHC, our nurse-led model integrates both. We see prevention not just as safety planning, but as well-being planning.

Introducing the Home Safety Checklist

To make prevention easier for every family, our team created the Home Safety Checklist — a free resource designed by RW HealthCare nurses.

Inside, you’ll find checklists for each room and helpful tips from our team

It’s everything you need to begin your own plan — room by room.

👉 Download your free copy today at www.rwhc.ca/resources and start creating your personalized fall-prevention plan with guidance from our nursing team.

The Role of Foot-Care in Stability

Good balance starts from the ground up.Foot pain, nail problems, or loss of sensation (especially in diabetes) can cause instability and gait changes that increase fall risk.

Our in-home and clinic-based foot-care services in Bedford help clients maintain healthy feet, improve circulation, and regain confidence in their steps.Healthy feet mean steady movement — and steady movement means safety.

Remember When HealthCare is an approved provider for home healthcare, advanced foot care, and home-care services through Veterans Affairs Canada, ensuring that Veterans and their families can access trusted, nurse-led support across Nova Scotia.

How to Put Your Plan Into Action

1. Start small – Choose one space (like the bathroom) and make a few quick safety upgrades.

2. Use the toolkit – Follow our checklists to identify hidden hazards.

3. Schedule a professional assessment – Our nurses can visit your home to create a full, personalized plan.

4. Stay consistent – Prevention is ongoing; check your environment and strength routines every few months.

5. Share it – Talk with family, friends, and neighbours. Fall prevention grows stronger through community.

Call to Action

A safer home begins with one step — awareness.You don’t have to wait for an accident to take action.

Download our Home Safety Checklist today, or book a personalized home-safety assessment with our team to design your plan with confidence.

👉 Learn more at www.rwhc.ca/resources

FAQs

Q: Can I request an in-home fall-prevention assessment even if I’m not a senior?

A: Absolutely. Fall prevention is for everyone. We support adults of all ages and abilities, including persons living with disabilities, chronic conditions, or mobility challenges.

Q: Do you work with other healthcare professionals?

A: Yes. Our team collaborates with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and physicians to ensure every plan supports long-term independence and safety.

References

Harrison, J., O’Neill, P., & Walsh, R. (2022). The hidden risks of caregiving: Physical strain and fall injuries among middle-aged women. Canadian Journal of Public Health, 113(2), 189-197.

King, L., MacDonald, R., & Peters, A. (2021). Fear of falling and psychological resilience in middle-aged adults.Journal of Aging and Health, 33(8), 713-727.

Simpson, T., Baker, S., & LeBlanc, M. (2024). Home-based interventions for fall prevention in community-dwelling adults: Evidence from Atlantic Canada. Canadian Journal of Community Health, 56(1), 45-53.

Public Health Agency of Canada. (2023). Preventing falls across the lifespan: National injury surveillance report.Government of Canada.