Current location
You are here: help with health > independent living and your safety > safety in the home > staying safe within your homeHelp with health
Staying safe within your home
Here are general guidelines that may help you deal with some common safety problems in your home.
Regularly go through your house and check every area for possible risks to you and/or to the person you care for. Two publications which will help you are
- The Council on The Ageing (COTA) Home Safety and Security handbook, and
- Don’t fall for it. Falls can be prevented!
If you have problems getting around
- Equipment such as rails and ramps and other home alterations may make the home safer for you both. There is a wide variety of equipment available.
- Arrange furniture simply and consistently and reduce clutter down.
- Remove loose rugs and seal carpet edges that may be safety risks.
If you get confused in your own home
- Try not to make any changes to your home unless it’s absolutely necessary.
- Think about having your medications checked -- this can be a common cause of confusion. Contact your pharmacist or doctor for details.
- Use notice boards and reminder notes to list the things that are happening or need remembering.
- Nightlights near your bed, in the hallways and in the toilet may help you to find your way to the bathroom.
- Easy-to-read clocks and large calendars are helpful reminders of the time and date.
If you have problems with your hearing
- Make sure that hearing aids are functioning and you’re using them effectively.
- Install smoke detectors in your house that give a visual sign when triggered.
- Find out about other visual alerts such as alarm clocks and front door alerts.
- Install assistive-listening devices such as volume-controlled phones, which can be used together with hearing aids, so you can contact others in an emergency.
If you have problems with your sight
- Leave all items in their familiar places. If something has to be moved, make sure you know where it has been put.
- Be especially careful when the house is being cleaned. Vacuum cords, wet floors and a mop and bucket are all potential risks for falling.
- Shut doors completely or leave them fully open. A half-open door is a risk.
- Furniture should be replaced exactly in its original position, to avoid accidents and aid mobility. Power points, blinds and lights should be left in the same position.
Fire safety
If you care for someone with limited mobility it is vital you have early warning of fires. You should plan ahead in case you need to evacuate because of a fire. Your local fire authority can help you with advice about installing smoke detectors, checking the battery (if applicable) and evacuation techniques. Some tips on avoiding fires at home are available from the Country Fire Authority.The COTA (more information) ACT Home Security and Safety Handbook is a useful guide. It covers general safety, fire safety, medical safety and security.
Read more: Home design and modification
The Home and Community Care Program provides a range of services to support older people stay in their communities, including home modification and maintenance, repairs, putting in ramps, changing bulbs and so on.
Read more: About the Home and Community Care program
Common questions on this topic:
See all common questions