Safely navigating your way around your home is essential for preventing falls. With our assistance, you can identify and address hazards, reducing falls risk.

Here are some tips to help you optimise safety inside your home:

• Adequate lighting: Are staircases and landings well lit? It's important to have enough light to spot any potential hazards. Make sure that light switches are easily accessible; two-way switches for up and down stairs can help with this. You can seek the support of a handyperson to help if needed.
• Stairway stability: If you have stairs, do you feel safe and steady when using them? Always use the handrail, and consider installing a second one if you need more support. A local handyperson can assist with this if needed. Consider minimising journeys up and down the stairs if you’re feeling unsteady or tired. You could use a basket or bag to carry items in to free up your hands. If you use a walking frame, make sure you have one on each level, as it is not safe to carry these on the stairs.
• Clear pathways: Throughout the house, it’s important to create enough space to move around and access all of the rooms freely without obstacles in the way. Keep your space clear by rearranging furniture and removing any unnecessary items. If you have a walking aid, always use it as instructed.
• Floor hazards: Objects like papers, books, shoes, boxes, clothes or linen are all potential trip hazards when on the floor. It's important to keep your space clear of items such as these. Consider using a ‘helping hand’ tool to reduce stooping or overreaching if needed.
• Cord and wire management: Do you have to walk over or around cords or wires, such as those from lamps, extension leads, or telephones? These can cause you to trip, and it’s important that they are tucked away or secured down. If needed, consult an electrician to install additional sockets. For fire safety, consider a home safety check from your local fire brigade, which can provide advice and fit smoke alarms if required.
• Letterbox convenience: Do you have a letterbox cage to avoid stooping to pick up letters? Installing one is an easy solution that not only saves you from stooping but also prevents papers from spreading across the floor just inside the doorway. You can find these at DIY stores or online, and a local handyperson can assist with installation if needed.
• Loose rugs: Loose rugs or runners can be a big trip hazard, particularly if they move on the floor or have curled edges. The safest option is to remove these altogether. However, at the very least these should be taped down or secured with a non-slip material underneath.
• Carpet condition: Are your carpets in good condition and not frayed? Worn carpets are a significant falls risk and should either be replaced or secured as soon as possible.
• Calling for assistance: If you were to fall, do you have a plan in place for calling for help? This is particularly important if you live by yourself. It’s a sensible idea to carry a mobile phone or have a landline telephone that you can reach from floor level. A pendant alarm is another reliable option, as you can wear this on your wrist or around your neck.

For adaptations and other solutions, including handrails, consider speaking to organisations specialising in home modifications or social services. Their expertise can help ensure your home is a safe and functional space.