Published by Bedford Medical Alert
Helping Canadian seniors age independently and safely
Planning to Age in Place? Most Canadians Don’t – But Should
A recent Globe and Mail article highlights a concerning reality: most Canadians have no formal plan for aging. According to the experts interviewed, while the majority of older adults want to maintain their independence, very few have taken concrete steps to ensure they can do so safely and sustainably.
At Bedford Medical Alert, we believe that aging in place isn’t just a preference – it’s a commitment to dignity, autonomy, and proactive planning. And while conversations around estate planning and retirement savings are common, safety planning is often overlooked.
The Missing Piece in Most Aging Plans: Emergency Preparedness
The Globe’s report rightly points out that Canadian seniors rarely account for fall risks, isolation, or medical emergencies when envisioning their later years. Yet these are precisely the issues that can derail even the best intentions to stay at home.
In cities like Toronto, Montreal, Vancouver, Calgary, and Ottawa, thousands of older adults live independently – often without any system in place to summon help if a fall, fainting episode, or medical event occurs.
According to Statistics Canada, 1 in 3 seniors will fall at least once each year. Many are unable to call for help afterward – especially if they live alone.
That’s where senior medical alert systems in Canada become essential.
Medical Alert Systems: The Foundation of a Real Aging Plan
At Bedford, we help fill the gap between good intentions and real-world safety. Our Canadian-designed, clinician-referred systems provide:
Instant Access to Emergency Support
With 24/7 bilingual monitoring across Canada, seniors get help at the push of a button — or even without pushing at all, thanks to automatic fall detection.
Support in and outside the home
- Home Freedom is perfect for seniors living alone in apartments or houses in cities like Mississauga, Surrey, Winnipeg, or Halifax.
- Go Freedom provides GPS-enabled protection for seniors who are still mobile and active – ideal for older adults in Ottawa, Victoria, or Edmonton.
- Radar Fall Detection (non-wearable) is ideal for those with dementia or cognitive impairment, offering passive protection in long-term care or memory care units.
Why Canadian Families Should Include Medical Alerts in Their Aging Plans
When planning for elder care, it’s easy to focus on financial or legal matters – but neglecting personal safety and emergency response puts independence at risk.
Medical alert systems:
- Reduce hospitalizations
- Shorten emergency response time
- Improve outcomes after falls
- Give peace of mind to families from BC to Newfoundland
In cities like Montreal and Calgary, we see families pairing medical alert devices with aging-in-place renovations – like stair lifts and walk-in tubs. The difference? Bedford’s systems work whether your loved one remembers them or not. Especially for seniors with memory loss or mobility challenges, press-free and wearable-free solutions like mmWave Radar are a game-changer.
Ready to Plan? Start with Safety
The Globe and Mail’s article makes it clear: Canadians must get more intentional about aging. We agree – and we’re here to help.
Whether you’re a caregiver in Toronto or a senior in Kelowna, Bedford Medical Alert can help you build an aging plan that’s actually actionable.
It’s never too early – or too late – to plan for safe, independent living.
References
- Globe and Mail. (2025). “Aging plans are rare among Canadians, but experts say they can help seniors maintain independence”
- Public Health Agency of Canada. Fall prevention in older adults.
- Bedford Medical Alert internal product and client data.
To learn more about fall detection devices for seniors or how to select the right medical alert pendant, visit bedfordmedicalalert.ca.
Call us today: 1-888-755-3055
Compare our fall detection systems
Learn about GPS-enabled systems for safety on-the-go
Download our free guide to supporting independent aging in Canada.
