Environment

Well-over half of all falls happen in and around homes, and older adults living in care homes are three times more likely to fall than older people living in their own homes. Identifying and addressing hazards within our home environment can significantly reduce the risk.

Slips, trips, and falls

Challenges at home can include:

• Daily activities: Everyday tasks like getting in and out of bed or the bath, and getting on or off a chair or the toilet, can become harder as we age, increasing the risk of falls.
• Home hazards: Hazards such as loose rugs, cluttered walkways, inadequate lighting, and slippery floors, can all lead to falls.

Preventing Falls in and Around the Home

Falls prevention in and around the home often relies on "common sense," but it's not always easy to identify potential dangers.

Our home safety section is designed to help you to recognise and address these hazards effectively:

• Identify hazards: Discover potential slip, trip, and fall hazards within your home. Learn how to spot risks like loose rugs, slippery surfaces, and poor lighting.
• Take action: Find practical tips and step-by-step instructions on how to remove or reduce these hazards to create a safer living environment.

Explore More Advice

For detailed guidance on identifying and minimising home hazards, visit our home safety section or explore the other resources:

NHS Inform: Preventing falls by identifying hazards at home

Visit the Home Safety Section

Swindon Borough Council

Swindon Borough Council’s care and support information and advice website.

Warm & Safe Wiltshire

Ensure you keep your gas and electricity bills affordable and your home warm and safe with this free and impartial Council backed energy saving advice service. Call 0800 038 5722 or see The Warm and Safe Wiltshire Website for more information

The Adult Social Care Team

The Adult Social Care Team provides information to older people, adults with physical disabilities and carers, to help make informed decisions and access appropriate services. They can provide help with equipment and adaptations for daily activities, help at home and support for your caring role. Telephone 01793 463333

Fire Service Safe & Well Assessment

Consider a free home fire safety check from the local fire service. Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service will visit your home, provide safety advice, install smoke, carbon monoxide and heat detectors where necessary and help you create an escape plan.

For more information and to request your free visit go to www.dwfire.org.uk/safety/safe-and-well-visits or telephone 0800 038 2323

Rehabilitation

For further information on rehabilitation for Falls and Bone Health in Swindon, please contact the Community Rehabilitation Team, HCRG Care Group on 01793 607710