Navigating the outdoor areas around your home, including paths, steps and the garden, requires attention to safety.

Here are some tips to help you identify hazards and reduce the risk of falling in your outdoor surroundings.

• Clear pathways: Are your paths clear of leaves and overgrown plants? Maintaining tidy outdoor areas, free of obstacles, is essential for safety. Regularly clear away leaves and trim overgrown plants to keep pathways clear.
• Slippery surfaces: Are your walkways free of moss and algae? If not, this can become slippery when wet. Prune overhanging plants and branches to improve lighting. You can purchase products to remove algae or get help from someone to clean it with a pressure washer.
• Uneven or broken paving: Do you have any uneven or broken paving slabs? These can be trip hazards. Arrange for someone to replace or straighten them to make sure your walking surface is level.
• Gardening considerations: Are your flower beds at ground level? They can be easier to access if they’re in containers or raised beds. When you are in the garden, avoid spending too much time in one position and be cautious when standing up from a bent-over position as this may cause dizziness.
• Access steps: Do you have steps to get in and out of your home? If these are difficult, consider installing an additional step, grab rails, or a ramp depending on your needs, to increase stability and safety. If you’re concerned about accessing your property, seek professional advice or assessment to help identify a solution.
• Walking aids: If you use a walking aid, do you have an appropriate one to use outdoors? “Zimmer” type frames (even with wheels) are not safe for outdoor use. If a walking stick does not provide enough support, consider an outdoor walker with wheels and brakes. These are available for purchase from mobility shops or the internet.

For adaptations and other solutions, consider speaking to organisations specialising in home or garden modifications or social services. Their expertise can help ensure your outdoor area is safe and functional.