Home is supposed to be the safe place. But when balance and strength start to shift, it's also where most falls happen. Not on big adventures. In the hallway. Getting out of the shower. Reaching for something on the top shelf.
The good news is that most of these risks are fixable, and you don't need to renovate to do it. Here are ten changes worth making today.
- Tape down any loose cords around the house.
- Install a grab bar in the bathroom. Possibly the single most useful thing you can add to any home.
- Add a shower seat or bath board. Wet tiles and standing up don't mix well. Taking the standing out of the equation takes most of the risk with it.
- Sort out any raised doorways or uneven concrete with a rubber ramp. We also have a customisable option so they can be made to size.
- Keep a reaching aid in the kitchen. The moment someone climbs on a chair to reach the top shelf is the moment things go wrong.
- Tape down rugs and mats. A curled edge is all it takes.
- Put in a smoke detector if there isn't one already. Non-negotiable.
- Keep heaters well away from furniture and soft furnishings. A metre at minimum.
- Have a walking stick somewhere easy to grab, especially for night-time trips to the bathroom.
- Clear the floors. Less stuff means less to catch a foot on.
Small changes, but they add up. And most of them you can sort this weekend.
If you're not sure where to start, give us a ring on 0800 213 313 and we'll point you in the right direction.
This guide is opinion based and is not medical advice. Please consult a medical professional before purchasing any products from our store, as they are the best source of guidance.
