Home Safety

Getting from room to room safely helps you stay steady and independent. A few small changes can reduce the risk of trips, slips or losing your balance.

This section offers practical tips to help you stay steady and confident as you move around your home.

Clear Walkways and Clutter-Free Floors

• Keep pathways clear: Remove shoes, bags, boxes or anything left on the floor that could be tripped over.
• Tidy as you go: Try to avoid leaving items on stairs, in doorways, or along routes you use often.
• Use storage: Baskets, shelves or small trolleys can help keep essentials within reach but out of the way.
• Consider grabbers or reachers: These can help reduce bending or overreaching when picking things up.

Safe Flooring and Carpets

• Check for loose mats or rugs: These are a common cause of falls. Use non-slip backing or remove them altogether.
• Look for curled edges: Tape down any worn carpet or flooring that lifts at the edges.
• Choose non-slip surfaces: If you’re thinking of replacing flooring, look for materials that provide grip underfoot.

Steps and Stairs

• Use a handrail: Always hold onto a secure handrail when using stairs. Consider adding a second rail if needed.
• Improve visibility: Make sure stairs and landings are well-lit. Use two-way switches so lights can be controlled at both ends.
• Mark edges: Use contrasting tape or stair edging to highlight step edges, especially if your vision is changing.
• Don’t rush: Always take your time, especially if carrying items. Never carry too much at once.

Lighting and Visibility

• Brighten up: Use good overhead lighting and plug-in night lights in hallways and bedrooms.
• Use motion sensors: Automatic lights are helpful if you get up in the night or return home after dark.
• Match lighting levels: Sudden changes from bright to dim lighting can affect vision and balance. Keep lighting consistent across spaces.

Furniture and Layout

• Create clear routes: Rearrange furniture if needed to avoid tight spaces or awkward corners.
• Avoid unstable furniture: Don’t use lightweight chairs, tables or radiators for support — they may tip over.
• Keep things close: Store frequently used items at waist height to avoid too much bending or stretching.

Other Tips

• Wear well-fitting footwear indoors: Avoid loose slippers or socks on slippery floors.
• Use mobility aids correctly: If you've been given a stick or frame, make sure it's the right height and used as advised.
• Stay active: Regular movement, even gentle exercises, can help maintain your balance and confidence around the home.

Calling for Assistance

If you ever fall or need help, it’s important to have a simple way to call for assistance - especially if you live alone. Keeping a mobile phone close by or having a landline phone within reach can make a big difference. You might also want to think about using a personal alarm, such as a pendant or wrist-worn device, so you can get help quickly if you can’t get to a phone.

If you're unsure what's right for you, local social care services or home adaptation teams can help you find safe, reliable options.

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Find Support

Please find below useful links, relevant resources and contact information. All links open in a new window and may include links to websites, videos, and PDF files for downloading and printing. 

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Local Support 

Visit our Help and Contacts section
Find local help and support
Find help to stay active in your area
Find local home safety support

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Home Safety and Adaptations

Staffordshire County Council - Home Safety
This checklist will help you spot hazards and make your home safer.

Staffordshire County Council - Happy at Home
To help you remain and regain independence at home. 

City of Stoke on Trent - Older People
Support for older people in Stoke on Trent.

City of Stoke on Trent - Adapting Your Home
Adapting your home - online self-assessment - Stoke on Trent.

City of Stoke on Trent - Assessments for older people
Assessments for adults who are elderly or have a disability and carers - Stoke-on-Trent.

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Social Services

You are struggling with day-to-day living at home, and you feel you might need care support.

Staffordshire County Council
Phone: 0300 111 8010 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm)    

Stoke-on-Trent City Council 
Phone: 0800 561 0015  

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Helpful Links 

Home adaptations, care services and equipment - NHS
Identifying hazards at home - NHS Inform
Make your Home safer - Age UK
Home safety and security - Age UK
Preventing falls in your home: a room-by-room guide - RoSPA (video)
Avoiding falls within your home - RoSPA
Preventing falls in your home: a guide to safety aids - RoSPA (video)
Preventing falls checklist - RoSPA 

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More on this website

Visit our Information and Advice section
Visit our Staying Active section
Visit our Home Safety section
Visit our Help and Contacts section 
Start your online Self-Assessment

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