Caledon launches Older Adult Home Safety Program

February 24, 2023 – Caledon Fire and Emergency Services is partnering with Age-Friendly Caledon to ensure older adults are living in a fire-safe environment and are prepared in the event of a fire. The Older Adult Home Safety Program is focused on those 65 or older, living independently in Caledon. “Those who apply for the program will get a free home visit from a Caledon Fire public educator who will assist them with alarm installation and other fire safety needs,” said Deputy Fire Chief Samantha Hoffmann.

“During the visit a home safety plan will be developed, hazards in the home identified, and combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms will be installed, where needed.”

Living independently is important for older residents and the Town hopes this program will help keep them safe, and in their own homes for as long as possible.

The Older Adult Home Safety Program is a free program. Adults 65+, their family members or caregivers can apply for the program, and community agencies and healthcare providers can submit applications on behalf of the resident too. At age 65, older adults are twice as likely to be injured or killed by fires compared to the population at large. By age 75, that risk increases to three times that of the general population – and four times by age 85.

Approximately 15 per cent of Caledon residents are age 65+, based on the 2021 census data. It is estimated that by the year 2031, the population of older adults 65+ will almost double. As our older adult population is increasing, it is imperative to take preventative measures to reduce injuries and increase home safety, encouraging residents of Caledon to age well and age in place.

The Age-Friendly Caledon Action Plan, developed in 2021, is designed to remove barriers that impact residents’ ability to connect with the people, places and services that make Caledon a great place to live. Advocating for an increase in preventative health-check programs, such as the Older Adult Home Safety Program, will help mitigate the risks brought upon by emergency situations – including fires.

For more details and to apply for the Older Adult Home Safety Program, visit Caledon.ca/HomeSafety.

Funding for this project was made possible by the Seniors Community Grant Program from the Ministry of Seniors and Accessibility.