Stairs and getting about the house

Safely navigating your way around your home is essential for preventing falls. With our assistance, you can identify and address hazards, enhancing falls safety and quality of life inside the home.

Are staircases and landings well lit?

Routes should be kept illuminated when they are in use and ensure that light switches are easily reached.

Is there a two way light switch present (e.g. a switch at both the top and bottom of stairs)?

Have an electrician fit a two way lightswitch. Consider the local council ‘handy person scheme’.

Do you feel stable when going up and down the stairs?

It is essential to have a handrail, even on small flights of stairs. Additional ones can be fitted by the local handyperson scheme. Consider minimising journeys up and down the stairs.

When you walk through a room, do you have to walk around furniture?

Consider moving things so that your path is clear. Ask someone to help if needed and always use your walking aid as instructed.

Are there papers, magazines, books, shoes, boxes, blankets, towels, or other objects on the floor?

Pick up things that are on the floor and always keep objects off the floor. A ‘helping hand’ may reduce stooping / overreaching.

Do you have to walk over or around cords or wires (e.g. cords and wires from lamps, extension cords or telephone cords)?

Coil or tape cords and wires next to the wall so they are not a tripping hazard.  If possible, have an electrician put in another socket.  Consider a fire home safety check from the local fire brigade who can provide advice and supply / fit smoke alarms if required.

Do you have a letterbox cage to avoid stooping to pick up your letters?

These are quite easy to fit, and apart from saving you from stooping, will also stop papers being spread across the floor just inside the doorway which could make you slip. (Available at DIY stores and the handy person scheme can fit)

Do you have loose rugs or runners on the floor?

Remove the rugs and runners or use non slip matting beneath the rugs to prevent them from slipping.

If you fall do you have a system for calling assistance?

A personal alarm pendant is a good way of doing this, and there are a number of schemes available.

Are the carpets in good condition and not frayed?

Worn carpets are a major cause of serious falls and should be replaced or secured.

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Handyperson service in Peterborough:

Contact: 01733 863895

Website: www.peterborough.gov.uk/pin and search for ‘Care and Repair’

Peterborough Handyperson service is run by Care and Repair at Peterborough City Council can assist you to repair, maintain, and adapt your home. The service can also deliver minor aids and adaptations that help to prevent falls and accidents in the home.  The service is mainly for small, non-urgent repairs and the scheme uses vetted contractors to undertake the work. 

Handyperson service in Cambridgeshire:

Contact: 01480 700205

Email: chp@ageukcap.org.uk 

Web: www.ageuk.org.uk/cambridgeshireandpeterborough 

Cambridgeshire Handyperson Service is run by Age UK Cambridgeshire and Peterborough to help with minor alterations, repairs, and DIY for people aged 65 and over and any adult with a disability. Charges may apply for some services. 

Trading Standard

www.buywithconfidence.gov.uk 

We all need to find a reliable trader from time to time and asking your friends for recommendations is a good way to do this. Alternatively, Trading Standard operate an approved trader scheme called Buy with Confidence. All the businesses listed on this website have been vetted and approved by Trading Standards to ensure that they operate in a legal, honest, and fair way. 

Safe Local Trades

www.safelocaltrades.com  

Safe Local Trades is another website that you can look at for a tradesperson such as an electrician, plumber, carpenter, or painter/decorator. All the tradespeople listed have been vetted and their performance is monitored.

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