Feeling safe and free from the risk of accidents is crucial if you are to go on living in your own home. It is also important to have peace of mind. Quite often, all that needs to be done are a few jobs around the home.
Preventing accidents
One of the chief dangers can be fire. It is worth fitting smoke alarms, which are relatively inexpensive and quite easy to fit. Most supermarkets sell smoke alarms and the batteries last some time.
Repairs, adaptations and improvements will in some ways help prevent the risk of other accidents at home. For example, removing or fixing any hazards such as:
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loose carpeting on stairs
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putting non-slip flooring into your bathroom
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improving lighting in areas such as the kitchen, bathroom or at the top and bottom of stairs.
Gas appliances, such as fires, boilers, cookers and central heating systems should be regularly checked by your gas supplier to make sure that they are safe.
To find out if you are entitled to a free annual check, you should ask your gas or electricity suppliers if you can be put on their priority service register.
You can ask an occupational therapist for advice on other safety measures. Contact your local council social services department for details - the phone number will be in the telephone directory or on any letters you have received from the council.
Telephones
A telephone is essential if you live on your own. Your local council may be able to help you with the cost of installation and line rental.
There are also schemes that provide low cost telephone access. Contact
British Telecom or your own telecom provider for more details.
Otherwise, RNIB can tell you about charities which help with the cost of telephones. Contact the RNIB Helpline on email
helpline@rnib.org.uk or phone 0303 123 9999).
We are ready to answer your call Monday to Friday 8.45am to 5.30pm. Outside these times, leave us a message and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.
Community alarm schemes
Getting help in the event of an emergency is important. Community alarms allow you to call for help even if you can't get to a phone. By pressing a button on a pendant, which you wear at all times, staff at a 24-hour response centre will be contacted and will alert the best person to help you - for example a neighbour, relative, friend or the emergency services. Contact the housing department of your local council for details.
Insuring your home
Insuring your home In case anything should happen, it makes sense to have good household contents insurance cover. Age Concern run a
Home Contents Insurance Scheme for older people.
Further information
Based on advice from the Suzy Lamplugh Trust, the leading charity on personal safety in the UK, we have produced a
'Living safely' guide that suggests practical things you can do to help feel and stay safe