From Awareness to Action: Making Senior Safety a Civic Priority

As our senior population grows, ensuring the safety, dignity, and independence of older adults has become a critical civic issue—one that affects not only families, but the entire healthcare system. Fall-related injuries are among the leading causes of emergency visits, hospitalizations, and long-term disability among seniors. Raising awareness about fall prevention and home safety is no longer optional—it is a public health necessity.

Sherry Soltani – Local Journalism Initiative

Recognizing this, Sherry Soltani of Skyrise Media Society organized an in-depth conversation with Amir Mohammadi, a Biomedical Engineering Technologist and CEO of Advanced Medical, a provider of home healthcare equipment in Metro Vancouver.

Drawing from years of experience, Mohammadi emphasized the urgency of the issue. “One in three seniors in Vancouver and British Columbia falls each year,” he shared. “Ten to fifteen percent of those falls result in serious injuries, putting a major strain on hospitals and long-term care services.”

Mohammadi specializes in providing mobility aids and safety equipment that can help prevent these falls—walkers, rollators, shower chairs, grab bars, hospital beds, and more. “These tools aren’t just for people with major disabilities,” he said. “They’re preventive, helping seniors move around with confidence and live independently.”

Sherry Soltani asked about the differences between seniors living at home versus those in long-term care facilities. In response, it was noted that many seniors prefer to remain in their own homes, valuing independence, comfort, and a familiar environment. With proper support—such as assistive equipment and professional assessments—aging in place can be both safe and empowering. However, for seniors with more complex medical needs, long-term care homes provide essential structured care and social engagement. As Sherry emphasized, ensuring both options are safe, accessible, and respectful is a civic responsibility—allowing all seniors to age with dignity, no matter where they live.

He also addressed a challenge specific to some immigrant communities: stigma. “Many seniors, especially within the Iranian community, are hesitant to use assistive devices because they see it as a sign of weakness,” he explained. “But using them should not be seen as a weakness. It’s no different than wearing glasses—it improves safety and quality of life.”

A key part of Mohammadi’s approach is collaboration with occupational therapists, who are trained to assess a person’s home and match them with the right equipment. “These assessments are covered by BC’s Medical Services Plan,” he added, “so no one should feel this support is out of reach.”

To reach more seniors, especially Farsi-speaking residents in North shore Mohammadi works with health professionals to offer community outreach programs and “Lunch and Learn” seminars in Persian, breaking down barriers to access and understanding.

In closing the interview, Sherry Soltani reflected, “This is more than a health issue—it’s about civic responsibility, inclusion, and respect for our elders. As a community, we must normalize the use of assistive equipment, promote accessible health assessments, and ensure no senior feels left behind. Fall prevention isn’t just about avoiding accidents—it’s about protecting lives and preserving independence.”

Seniors and their families are encouraged to reach out to Vancouver Coastal Health or Fraser Health to learn more about occupational therapy assessments and resources available to make home a safer place to age gracefully.