Creating a safe home

Throughout the home

Lighting

Make sure you have good lighting throughout your property especially where you have steps and stairways, and in darker areas of your home like hallways and landing areas. 

Check regularly that your bulbs are working and consider replacing them with daylight bulbs.

If you need additional lighting, consider task lights or standing floor lights such as a lamp for reading, dressing table or bedside lights, desk lights for specific tasks.  

These additional lights are usually moveable and flexible so you can direct the light on the area that it is needed. 

For further information about lighting around your home, visit the Thomas Pocklington Trust website.

Flooring

• Avoid using rugs and mats on floors as they can be a trip hazard
• If rugs and mats are going to be used, where possible use non-slip mats or rugs or use double-sided tape to secure them to the floor
• Check your flooring to make sure they are clear of obstructions
• Position your furniture so you have a clear walkway through each room
• Keep floors clear of items such as shoes, books, blankets
• Organise your home so electric items are near to sockets where they are going to be used - keep power cables tidy and out of the way of spaces where people walk
• Avoid walking around the home with tights, socks or loose-fitting slippers, particularly on lino as this surface can be slippery

Pets 

Pets are great companions and reduce isolation, but they can also be a hazard.

You should:

• be aware of your pets when moving around
• consider attaching a bell to your pet's collar so you can hear them when they are nearby

Last updated 13 November 2023