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Safety within the home

Some everyday hazards can lead to the risk of tripping, one or more of these hazards could result in a fall or broken bones. - find out how to reduce these risks

Tripping

Are there signs of:

• worn carpets or mats
• obstacles lying on the floor
• trailing wires
• worn and unsuitable footwear
• excess furniture to navigate round

• Arrange for:
  • damaged carpets to be repaired or replaced
  • loose objects to be tidied away
  • electrical wires to be kept tidy
  • damaged footwear to be repaired or replaced
  • furniture to be tidied or items removed.
  Keep a clear path around the home.
  

  You may be able to reduce some risks yourself, or a friend, neighbour, relative or carer might help.

  You could contact a local Home Improvement Agency who assist vulnerable homeowners and private sector tenants.

  They will visit and give advice about problems with the condition of the home, offer a handy person service for small jobs around the home or offer advice on making the home more energy efficient.

  You could also try Hampshire County Council Occupational Therapists for advice. (HCC OT's) are responsible for carrying out assessments and providing services that help people remain as independent as possible in their own homes

  
  

Lighting

Inadequate lighting can add to the risk of trips and falls.

Are there signs of:

• poor lighting
• broken light bulbs
• constantly closed curtains

• Arrange for:
  • broken light bulbs to be replaced
  • curtain rails to be checked
  
  

  It may be difficult to reduce some risks yourself. Ask a friend, neighbour, relative or carer to help to change the light bulb for you.

  You could contact a local Home Improvement Agency who assist vulnerable homeowners and private sector tenants.

  They will visit and give advice about problems with the condition of the home, offer a handy person service for small jobs around the home or offer advice on making the home more energy efficient.

  
  

Personal alarms and Telecare

Are you worried about :

• falling over and being unable to get help
• having difficulties getting out of the house if you were to have a fire
• forgetting about turning off the taps of your sink or bath

• Arrange for:
  • the use of a personal alarm that you can keep on your person
  • the assessment and installation of telecare equipment where wireless alarms and/or sensors can be fitted in your home
  
  

  You may be able to reduce some risks yourself, or a friend, neighbour, relative or carer might help.

  You could contact a local Home Improvement Agency who assist vulnerable homeowners and private sector tenants.

  They will visit and give advice about problems with the condition of the home, offer a handy person service for small jobs around the home or offer advice on making the home more energy efficient.

  See the Community alarm services  - personal alarm systems that can be installed in your home to make sure that you can get help in an emergency.

  Telecare is a combination of wireless alarms and sensors fitted in your home. It is monitored through your phone line 24 hours a day every day. Telecare helps improve confidence and minimises risks. It also provides peace of mind to carers and families. There are many different types of sensors including falls detectors, bed sensors and smoke detectors.

  
  

In this section…

• Safety and security
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  • Safety within the home
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• Contact the Older People's Well-Being team

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