Home Safety

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

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 enhance falls safety in external areas of your home:

• 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 paving stones 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 do 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 ensure a level walking surface.
• Gardening considerations: Are your flower beds at ground level? They’ll 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. Alternate between seated and standing activities to reduce strain.
• Entry steps: Do you have high steps to get in and out of the property? Consider installing an additional step or grab rails for added stability and safety. Remember to use your walking aid, if you use one.

By addressing these outdoor safety measures, you can create a safer external environment, reducing the risk of falls.

To find a local handyman or gardener, who can fit solutions or help with external areas around your home, contact your local council.

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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.

Telephone: 03001312131
Website: www.northyorks.gov.uk

www.northyorks.gov.uk

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Hearing Support Services

Visit the South Tees NHS website for more information about hearing support services and help with sight loss. 

Hearing Support Services: Visit website
Help with sigh loss: visit website

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North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service

Would you like free fire safety advice at home?

Telephone: 01609 780150
Website: www.northyorksfire.gov.uk

www.northyorksfire.gov.uk

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Personal alarm pedants

Reach & Respond provides a range of services to help you stay happy, healthy and independent in your own home.

Telephone: 0333 370 1234
Website: www.reachandrespond.co.uk 

www.reachandrespond.co.uk  

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NRS Telecare

Reach & Respond provides a range of services to help you stay happy, healthy and independent in your own home.

Telephone: 0333 370 1234
Website: www.reachandrespond.co.uk 

www.reachandrespond.co.uk  

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Assistive Technology

For assistive technology across the North Yorkshire Council area, contact NRS Telecare.

NRS Telecare: 01904 221473
North Yorkshire Council: 03001312131

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Richmondshire Lifeline

Sheltered housing, lifeline and telecare provided by Richmondshire District Council.

Telephone: 01748 901147
Website: visit website 

Find out more

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