Why Aging in Place Matters – But Isn’t Easy
A recent Globe and Mail article rightly points out what many Canadian families are discovering: while most seniors want to age in place, few are fully prepared for the complexity of doing so. Whether in Toronto, Vancouver, Calgary, or Montreal, the desire to remain at home is almost universal. However, aging in place safely requires far more than good intentions.
The article underscores the emotional and financial appeal of remaining in familiar surroundings. Yet it also reveals that many seniors in Ontario, British Columbia, Manitoba and Alberta lack the tools, resources, and support systems. These elements are essential to make aging in place a truly safe option.
At Bedford Medical Alert, we believe that aging in place isn’t just a dream – it’s a responsibility. That’s why we provide medical alert devices for seniors in Canada. Bedford devices are designed to bridge the safety gap for older adults who live alone or with minimal care support.
The Reality: Most Homes Aren’t Ready for Emergencies
Falls remain the leading cause of injury-related hospitalization among Canadian seniors, according to the Public Health Agency of Canada. Many older adults in Ottawa, Winnipeg, Halifax, and Edmonton live in homes without grab bars, automatic lighting, or emergency response systems.
But even with physical modifications, emergency preparedness often falls short. A simple fall, an episode of dizziness, or a cognitive impairment can quickly turn a quiet day at home into a crisis. This happens unless there’s a medical alert system in place providing 24/7 support.
Why Medical Alert Systems Are Critical to Aging in Place
At Bedford Medical Alert, we offer a comprehensive suite of medical alert solutions to meet the needs of seniors across Canada. These systems are especially important in cities where access to home care may be delayed due to workforce shortages. Long waitlists further contribute to these delays.
Our offerings include:
- Go Freedom Pendant: A GPS-enabled wearable medical alert device that allows seniors to call for help – wherever they are in Canada.
- Home Freedom Pendant: For seniors who live alone, this system includes automatic fall detection, two-way voice, and telephone line needed.
- Radar Fall Detection: Our newest innovation, this non-wearable fall detection system is ideal for those with dementia or cognitive decline. It uses mmWave radar to detect presence and falls without requiring the user to wear or press anything.
Each of these systems is backed by Bedford’s 24/7 Canadian monitoring. This ensures that help is available in English and French, from coast to coast. Assistance is also provided in rural areas of Saskatchewan, Manitoba, and the Maritimes.
Trusted in Hospitals, Available in Homes
Bedford Medical Alert is trusted by clinicians and care providers across Canadian hospitals and within senior care facilities. The technology used in these institutional settings is referred by medical professionals nationwide. It can be tailored for private homes affordably and securely.
Whether you’re caring for a loved one in Mississauga, Surrey, Winnipeg or Hamilton, our medical alert systems for seniors in Canada offer peace of mind for families and independence for seniors.
Take the Next Step: Prepare Your Home Today
As the Globe and Mail article reveals, the real challenge isn’t wanting to age in place – it’s preparing to do so safely. At Bedford Medical Alert, we make that preparation easier, with systems that are:
- Easy to install
- Fully mobile or in-home
- Customizable for different care needs
- Supported by responsive Canadian customer service
Whether you’re in Toronto, Calgary, Edmonton, or Halifax, Bedford Medical Alert can help you or your loved one age in place – safely and with confidence.
References
Globe and Mail. (2025). Many seniors want to age in place – but few are prepared for the reality. Retrieved from: https://www.theglobeandmail.com/investing/personal-finance/retirement/article-many-seniors-want-to-age-in-place-but-few-are-prepared-for-the/
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