Age-proofing your home

Here are some practical steps people can take to help themselves live independently:

Living area

• Make sure rugs and carpets lie flat and are secured to the floor - use double-sided tape, velcro or carpet tacks. Or remove rugs altogether.
• Place cords close to the wall or install extra power points to make sure walking areas are free of electrical cords and wires.
• Make sure your armchair is easy to get out of. Higher chairs with solid armrests are better.
• Keep a list of emergency numbers by the phone.
• It's a good idea to have two phones in the house. Make sure they can be reached from the floor, in case you fall. And make sure there's one phone close to your bed - you may need to call for help during the night.
• Use shades on central lights to disperse light evenly.
• Install smoke alarms and have one or more escape routes planned.

Bathroom

• Install a raised toilet seat or a safety frame on the toilet.
• Install handrails in the bath or shower.
• If possible, install a shower unit that has no lip or rise.
• Use non-stick flooring for bathrooms.
• Keep personal items in a small storage unit that attaches to the bath or shower.
• Use night lights to light the way from bedroom to bathroom.

Bedroom

• Make sure you can get in and out of bed easily by having the bed at the right height. A firm mattress provides better support.
• Make sure you can reach a light switch, eyeglasses and telephone from your bed.
• Keep a torch by your bed in case of power failure.
• Keep a portable commode or urinal near your bed at night.

Stairs

• Install light switches at the top and bottom of stairs.
• Consider putting handrails on both sides of the stairs.
• Repair any loose or damaged treads.
• Ensure good, even lighting over stairs.

Kitchen

• Keep the most used items in your cupboard within easy reach.
• Never use a chair or a cupboard shelf as a step-stool or ladder.
• Keep a mop or broom handy to clean up spills as soon as they happen.
• If you have trouble seeing things on the table, try using a plain dark tablecloth.
• Use oven mitts rather than tea towels to remove items from the oven - a dangling tea towel is a fire hazard.
• Put things back in the same place each time you use them.
• Organise and store medications so they can be easily identified.
• Note "use by" and "best before" dates on food and medications.
• Use kitchen utensils with large soft grips.

Outside your home

• Install handrails on stairs, preferably on both sides of the steps.
• Make sure steps are visible by painting a contrasting colour along their front edge.
• Keep footpaths clean and free from moss and leaves.
• Consider installing sensor lights.
• Fit security latches and deadlocks on doors and windows.