Navigating your home safely is essential for everyone, especially for those with sensory impairments such as hearing or visual difficulties. Vision and hearing are both very important in helping you to move around safely. Vision plays a vital role in maintaining your balance, and hearing allows you to have a better awareness of your surroundings.

Here are some tips to help you create a safe environment tailored to the needs of those who have sensory impairments:

• Good lighting: For individuals with visual impairments, proper lighting is vital. Choose bright bulbs to minimise shadows and make sure there is enough light throughout your home.
• Consistent Lighting Levels: Maintain uniform lighting levels across different rooms to avoid sudden changes in brightness. Consider adding lighting to dimly lit areas and using curtains or shades to minimise glare.
• Night-Time Navigation: Turn on or install night lights along pathways from bedrooms to bathrooms to assist with walking at night-time, for example to get to the toilet. Night lights can provide enough light for safety without disrupting sleep. Some lights can automatically turn on when they sense lower light levels, saving energy.
• Regular Eye Checks: Schedule routine eye examinations with opticians to address vision-related concerns. Updated visual aids, such as glasses or magnifiers, can significantly improve safety and independence at home.
• Regular Hearing Checks: Make sure you have your hearing checked regularly. If you have them, keep your hearing aids in good condition and wear them as advised. Ask for aids to be reviewed if they are uncomfortable or you have concerns.
• Preventing Trips and Falls: Eliminate tripping hazards by keeping pathways clear of clutter, loose rugs, and obstacles. Secure carpets and rugs to prevent slips and falls.