Safely navigating your way around your home is essential for preventing falls. With our assistance, you can identify and address hazards, enhancing falls safety and quality of life inside the home.
Navigating your home safely is essential for preventing falls.
Here are some tips to help you identify hazards and enhance falls safety inside your home:
Adequate lighting: Are staircases and landings well lit? It's crucial to keep your routes well-illuminated when in use. Ensure that light switches are easily accessible, and consider installing a two-way light switch if there isn't one already. Local council ‘handyperson schemes’ can be valuable resources for such modifications.
Stairway stability: Do you feel stable when going up and down the stairs? Always have a handrail, even on small flights of stairs. Local handyperson schemes can assist in adding additional handrails if needed. Consider minimising journeys up and down the stairs when possible.
Clear pathways: When walking through a room, do you have to navigate around furniture? Keep your pathways clear by rearranging furniture as needed. Don't hesitate to seek assistance if necessary, and always use your walking aid as instructed.
Floor hazards: Are there objects like papers, magazines, books, shoes, boxes, blankets, towels, or other items on the floor? It's crucial to pick these up and maintain clutter-free areas. Consider using a ‘helping hand’ tool to reduce stooping or overreaching.
Cord and wire management: Do you have to walk over or around cords or wires, such as those from lamps, extension leads, or telephones? Tape cords and wires along the walls to eliminate tripping hazards. If possible, 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, and a local handyperson can assist with installation.
Secure rugs: Do you have loose rugs or runners on the floor? To prevent them from slipping, remove them or use non-slip matting beneath them.
Calling for assistance: If you fall, do you have a system for calling assistance? A personal alarm pendant can be a reliable means of seeking help.
Carpet condition: Are your carpets in good condition and not frayed? Worn carpets are a significant fall risk and should either be replaced or secured promptly.
By addressing these indoor safety measures, you can create a safer home environment and reduce the risk of falls.
To find a local handyman, who can fit the solutions mentioned on this page, contact your local council.
Useful Links and Contacts
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Home Assessments
For further assessment, if you are struggling to manage around your home, contact North Yorkshire Council Adult Health and Social Care.
Make sure you have a working smoke alarm on each level of your home and test it regularly.
For support with fire and smoke alarms, as well as specialist alarms for sensory loss, contact your local fire brigade.
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