Living at home safely

If you are worried about moving around and using your home safely, or using the equipment in your home, contact Disabled Living for advice.

Disabled Living occupational therapists can assess you if you want more detailed advice.

Living made easy offers information to help you use all areas of your home safely.

Bedroom

If you have trouble getting in and out of bed, solutions such as bed grab rails or a raised bed can help. 

Living made easy has lots of information to help you get in and out of bed and to have a comfortable night's sleep.

A good night's sleep is important for your wellbeing. Ask for help if you regularly have disturbed sleep.

Hallways, landings and stairs

  • Keep these areas well-lit and clutter free
  • Make sure rugs and mats can't move and trip you up
  • Get handrails fitted

If you need light bulbs or handrails fitting, contact Helping Hands Salford, who will do this sort of handyperson work at very little cost. If you rent from a social landlord, they should do this work for you.

Helping Hands can also help with jobs outside your home, to help you get in and out of your home safely - clearing paths, fitting rails to outside steps etc.

Living room

If you are finding it difficult to get in and out of your chairs, here are some tips:

  • if your knees are higher than your hips when you are sat down, the chair is too low - think about buying a new chair or using a chair raiser or chair riser cushions
  • use a chair with armrests which come all the way to the front of the chair
  • use a sit to stand frame instead of armrests
  • don't use a walking frame, as it is not designed for this purpose and could easily tip over

Sofas can be especially difficult - try putting a solid board under the cushions, sit on one side so that you have an armrest to help you or think about a sit to stand frame.

Some other simple steps to stay safe

  • Helping hand grabbers to pick mail or other items off the floor or even to close the curtains or grab items which are difficult to reach.
  • Fit a box to the inside of a door to collect the mail / newspapers to prevent the need to bend down.
  • Use aids that improve grip i.e. key holders, aids that fit on a stove to turn the knobs etc.
  • People with dementia can be helped by fitting signs onto doors, saying the name of the room.
  • Use digital photo frames to display the day, time and year.
  • Write things down / keep a diary to aid memory and recall.
  • Make sure your home is well-lit, with grab rails and no loose carpets etc.

If you rent your home, ask your landlord to help with these jobs. If you own your home, you can get in touch with Helping Hands Salford.

What Adult Social Care can do

If you want more advice or you feel that you need more support, contact Adult Social Care, which may be able to assess your situation and discuss the type of support you need.

Adult social care is now provided by Northern Care Alliance

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