Access & Stairs

  • Two banister rails are better than one.
  • Ensure your hands aren’t full when you are using the stairs, hold on to the banister rails at all times.
  • If you need to get things from one floor to another use carrier bags or back packs when possible.
  • Plan ahead and try to minimise the use of the stairs. If you use certain items frequently, such as a hairbrush or reading glasses, have two of the same, one on each floor.
  • Avoid leaving objects on the stairs as you might trip on them.
  • If the bathroom is upstairs next to your bedroom, bathe/ shower before you go downstairs in the morning or just before you go to bed at night.
  • If you need to use the toilet very frequently and you have only one in your property, check with your GP if your medication can be adjusted in any way to reduce the frequency of use or consider using a commode.

Bathrooms

  • Get rid of unnecessary items.  Ensure your bathroom floor is clean and not slippery.
  • Do not use radiators or hand basins to support you when transferring in or out of the bath, or on and off the toilet.  These are not designed to carry your body weight.
  • Please be aware that some bathing equipment products are not suitable for people with deteriorating conditions.
  • Try to avoid using suction handrails for long term use as they may lose grip if the surface is not kept clean and full body weight is applied.
  • You might need to consider rehanging your bathroom door if you are experiencing frequent falls around the house, to avoid risk of entrapment.
  • If you shower in the bath, use a non-slip bath mat.
  • If you are unable to lift your legs to get into the bath safely, or are wobbly or feel dizzy when bathing, please strip wash until you seek advice/support.

Kitchens

  • Firstly, declutter!  Move things you don’t use or don’t need out of the kitchen.
  • Put the items you use most frequently close to where you need them (pots and pans next to the hob) and within easy reach.
  • Make sure that there is enough clear worktop space around your hob.
  • If you find it difficult to lift things, replace your full size kettle with a lighter travel kettle or even a single cup coffee maker.
  • Slide bigger pots and pans along the worktop towards the sink rather than carry them.
  • Ensure adequate lighting in your kitchen.
  • If you have trouble remembering things there are telecare devices that will alert you to hobs and gas left on.
  • Use saucepans with strainer baskets so that when something has boiled you can lift it out, ready to serve.  Leave water to cool before emptying.