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Safety in the home
You should feel safe in your home. This section is not just about reducing your risk of falling, but about being more at ease about living independently at home.
To achieve this, you, and your healthcare professionals, need to be aware of your abilities and lifestyle. Putting in place some commonsense measures will allow you to get the most out of living at home.
To make sure you have a safe, secure and comfortable living environment, you need to think about:
Home security
Home security is an important part of having peace of mind at any age. It’s especially relevant to older people who live on their own or are limited in mobility.Burglary (or house-breaking) is one of the most common crimes. But most burglaries can be prevented by using a number of commonsense home security measures, and keeping up to date with home security issues in your neighbourhood. Your local Neighbourhood Watch and police station may be able to give you advice on improving your home security.
Read more: Securing your home
Personal and medical alarms
Alarm systems protect your home, and your personal safety. Medical or personal alarm systems can be easy to set up, and there are many options for you, depending on your needs. They can be:- a pre-programmed telephone number you can press
- a household alarm that could be linked to a security company
- an intercom system
- an alarm in the shower or toilet if you fall and are unable to get up
- location monitoring through a ‘gadget’ you are wearing
- a personal alarm worn as a pendant
- medication reminder, and
- a voice-operated message system.
Aids and equipment
Different kinds of aids and equipment help people maintain their independence and safety. You will find that there is a huge range of gadgets and equipment available to use in your home or a family member's, and on outings.Read more: Aids and equipment
Safety within the home
There are many small things that you can do around the house to increase your level of safety. This can range from re-arranging the furniture to allow easier movement, to removing loose rugs and installing grab rails and ramps to reduce your risk of falling.Read more: Staying safe within your home
Home designs and modifications
Home modifications are any changes or additions to the house or the environment that allow you to live more comfortably, independently and safely for as long as possible.Your house can be adapted to make it easier for you to get around and manage everyday tasks whatever your age, level of mobility or health.
Read more: Home design and modifications
Common questions on this topic:
- Mum uses a walking frame now. Is there help that I can get to make changes at home so she can move around more easily?
- I live alone and am getting older. My stove is worn out and I need a new one, but I need help to understand the technology they talk about in the shops. Is there someone who can help me?
- Mum keeps forgetting that she has turned electrical appliances on - I'm scared that something will catch fire one day. What can I do?
See more common questions on this topic | See all common questions