Your Personal Safety

Falls Prevention

Many people are injured every year by falling in their own homes and the risk increases with age, but fear of falling can also be a major worry for some people. However, there are some simple steps that you can take to reduce your risk of falling at home.

Minimise trip hazards

• Remove rugs or ensure that they have non-slip backs or tape
• Tape down loose carpet edges where you walk or fit door threshold strips
• Make sure there are no trailing electric wires or cables where you walk
• Arrange furniture so that it is not in your way when you walk
• Keep the areas where you walk, especially stairs, clear of clutter

Lighting

• Ensure that your home is well lit and that bulbs are working and bright enough
• Turn lights on as soon as it starts getting dark
• Have a light which you can turn on when in bed
• If you use the toilet at night, put on a landing light or have a motion sensative light

Move safely

• Install handrails in the bathroom, by the toilet, at steps or along hallways
• Use the handrail when going up or down stairs and consider fitting a second rail
• Avoid dizziness by standing up slowly if you have been sitting or lying down for some time
• Take your time - don’t hurry to answer the door or phone, or turn quickly
• Use a walking aid appropriate to your needs

Clothing

• Check that your slippers or shoes fit properly
• Ensure that your nightclothes are away from your feet
• Wear clothes that are easy to put on and take off.  Sit whilst you dress or undress
• Use aids that reduce the need to bend, such as a sock aid or long handled shoe horn

Think about storage

• Keep items, such as pots and pans or clothing, that you use regularly in cupboards or on shelves that are easy to reach without bending or stretching
• If you have to reach something at a higher level, use a firm stepladder - preferably with a handle - don't stand on a chair

Eyesight

• Have your eyes tested regularly
• Remember to wear your glasses
• If you have two pairs for different activities, remember to change them over when necessary
• Be aware that vari-focal glasses distort distance

Look after your feet

• Cut toenails regularly and visit a chiropodist if necessary
• Wear footwear that fits well and supports your foot
• Age UK have a useful information about looking after your feet (opens in a new tab)

Keep active 

• Regular gentle exercise helps with bone and muscle strength and balance, all of which help prevent falls
• Ask your GP or other health profession that may be supporting you as to whether they would consider referring you to the National Exercise Referral Scheme (opens in a new tab)

Medical health

• Have your medications checked on a regular basis by either your GP or Pharmacist

Further information and support

• You are able to complete an NHS Community Physiotherapy self-referral (opens in a new tab) to request an assessment of your mobility or discuss any fear of falling that you may have.
• If you live in your own home or rent privately, contact Care & Repair (opens in a new tab) to request a 'Home Safety Check'
• Consider getting a Community Alarm