Preventing falls and staying well

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Fall-proof your home

Around 6 out of 10 falls happen at home, often due to everyday hazards that are easy to overlook. Simple changes to your environment, such as better lighting and safer footwear, can make a big difference to your independence and safety.

Common hazards

Look out for hazards that you can remove straight away:

  • Keep walkways and stairs free from clutter.
  • Move or remove loose rugs and mats.
  • Tidy away trailing wires and cables.
  • Make sure hallways and stairs are well lit.
  • Add a night light near the bed, or use motion-activated lights for night-time trips to the bathroom.
  • If you have pets, consider adding a small bell to their collar so you know where they are.

If you need help with checking your home, ask a friend or family member to walk through your home with you, or contact one of the following local organisations for support:

Occupational therapists can assess your home for hazards and suggest adaptations to help you live more safely. You can contact the Sirona Community Integrated Network team on 0300 125 6789 to ask about a home safety assessment. You must be registered with a GP in Bristol, North Somerset or South Gloucestershire.

The NHS Inform website also has useful information about identifying hazards at home.

NHS Inform: Prevent falls by identifying hazards at home

Bathroom and stairs

Bathrooms and stairs are common places for falls, but there are ways to make them safer:

  • Fit non-slip mats in the bath or shower.
  • Add grab rails around the bath or shower area.
  • Ensure there is a secure handrail on at least one side of the stairs, including in your garden.

Home maintenance and adaptations

If you need changes to your home to make it safer, your local council’s adult social care team can advise you on the options available. In some cases, they may also offer a free assessment of your needs.

Subsidised help is also sometimes available from councils to support with basic home repairs and adaptations.

Find out more from your local council:

Improving Homes & Wellbeing is a pilot project between South Gloucestershire Council and Age UK South Gloucestershire to help and support homeowners whose homes have fallen into disrepair.

Lighting at home

Poor lighting can cause trips and accidents, especially if you already have poor eyesight. LED lights are bright and can save energy.

Citizens Advice: Compare how much electrical appliances cost to use

Keeping warm

A warm home helps reduce illness and frailty. If you’re having trouble keeping your home warm, ask your GP or health worker about getting help from a social prescriber.

Support may also be available through national schemes like the Warm Home Discount, Cold Weather Payments, and Winter Fuel Payments, as well as local advice and grants.