Creating a safe home

Living room

Furniture

Keep furniture to a minimum so that you have a clear space for walking around.

Consider getting a chair with armrests at the right height. It might not be as comfortable as your preferred chair, but it’ll be much easier to get in and out of. It’s important to keep moving around every hour, and for 3 minutes every 30 mins. 

Stand using the arms of the chair for support - not your walking aid. Your walking aid is at a height that is right for when you are walking so will be too high for you to use when you are sitting down.

Keep your walking aid in easily reach while you are seated.

Electrical sockets and leads

Make sure you keep leads tidy, and do not allow them to trail on the floor. Secure them out of the way.

If you find it difficult to reach electrical sockets, consider having them repositioned higher.

Equipment that may help

There are many items of equipment that can help you, including a:

• long-handled grabber, such as an ‘easy reach’ - this can help you pick items off the floor, to turn low or high switches on and put clothes in washing machines
• chair raiser - this raises up your chair, so it is at a comfortable height to get in and out of a sitting position with ease

Find out more about equipment and adaptations to make your life easier.

Last updated 13 November 2023