Prevent falls by doing a home safety check

The majority of falls happen in and around the home but can be prevented by making a few small changes. Some of these are simple changes that you can do yourself, while others require extra support from friends, relatives or a specialist care and repair service.

Stairs and hallway

To make things safer you could:

• improve the lighting, ideally having a light switch at both the top and the bottom of the stairs
• install a handrail, or better still, a handrail on each side
• clear any items stored on the stairs
• if you use a walking aid and need to use 2 handrails on the stairs, keep a walking aid at the top and bottom
• walk on the widest part of the stair, especially if the stair is curved 
• be aware of patterned carpets on stairs as patterns can play tricks on your eyes and cause you to lose balance
• if you have to carry items while walking up or down stairs, hold the item in one hand and use the handrail with the other
• be sure you can see where your feet are stepping when you’re carrying something

Living room

To make things safer you could:

• organise your room so you have easy access to curtains, plug sockets and cupboards
• choose a chair that’s the best height for you to get up from safely – a soft cushion in your chair can make it harder for you to get up safely

If you have alarm pull cords, make sure they reach the floor so that you can use them if you fall.

Bedroom

To make things safer you could:

• choose a bed that is the best height for you to get in and out of safely
• organise you room so you have easy access to your clothes
• sit down to get dressed if you’re unsteady on your feet, or get dizzy – especially if you have difficulty with lower garments

Bathroom

To make things safer you could:

• use a non-slip mat or stickers, if your bath is slippery 
• make sure hand rails anywhere in the bathroom are attached to the wall securely
• mop up water spills
• use properly placed hand rails, if you have difficulty getting on and off the toilet, or in and out of the bath
• use a perch stool if you’re struggling to stand and wash at the sink
• talk to an occupational therapist or physiotherapist about changing your walking frame if it doesn’t fit in your bathroom – the door can also be changed to make space

If you get dizzy or lightheaded, be aware that hot showers and baths can make the symptoms worse.

Kitchen

To make things safer you could:

• arrange your kitchen so that items that are used regularly are within easier reach
• keep the kettle near to the sink with cups and tea or coffee beside to save moving around the kitchen too much
• use a kitchen trolley or, if you have a walking frame, a caddy, to help transport items

What can I do?

Go from room to room and decide what changes you can do yourself and what changes you need extra help with. If you need help to check each room, ask a friend, relative or neighbour to have a look with you.

Help and support

Occupational therapists work with people of all ages to help them overcome the effects of disability caused by physical or psychological illness, ageing or accident. They can support you to make changes in your home to improve your safety and quality of life.

To find out about occupational therapist services from your local authority, contact your local social work department.