We're currently offering free home safety visits across all wards in York.
Whilst falls are not an inevitable part of ageing, they're more likely to occur as people get older.
We can provide practical help and advice to reduce the risk of falls if you're worried about falling in your home.
Find out about:
Falls prevention assessments
During our visit, we can offer you personalised advice by:
- finding out more about you
- looking at the layout of your home
We may look at:
- stairs and steps
- clutter and tripping hazards (for example: rugs, cables)
- floor coverings
- poor lighting, glare, shadows
- lack of appropriate adaptations (for example: grab rails, stair rails)
- furniture
- access to telephone or alarm systems
- quality of heating
- door thresholds
The risk of falls can also be increased by your:
- balance
- behaviour
- medication
- medical conditions
Request a falls prevention assessment
If you're unable to complete our online assessment form, or require support, contact our Falls Prevention Scheme Enquiries Team.
Making adjustments to your home
We may be able to carry out adjustments to your home which will help reduce the risk of falls - at no cost to you.
We can often make adjustments there and then if you:
- own your own home
- live in a council property
We'll need to get your landlord's permission before making any adjustments to your property if you're a:
- housing association tenant
- private tenant
Reducing the risk of a fall
There are ways you can reduce your risk of having a fall, which include making simple changes to your home and completing exercises to improve your strength and balance.
- Remove clutter which could cause you to fall
- Arrange furniture so that you can move freely
- Secure carpets and remove ‘throw’ rugs
- Mop up spillages immediately
- Fit good lighting, especially on stairs
- Install handrails on both sides of stairs
- Install grab rails next to the toilet and or bath/shower
- Arrange often used items in your home so that they’re within easy reach
- Ensure that your eyes are checked regularly and wear glasses if you need to do so
- Wear properly fitting footwear
- Keep active for a balanced healthy lifestyle
- Don’t rush and take your time when completing daily tasks around the house
Also see
- Adult social care
- Healthy Homes handyperson service
- Help with small jobs at home
- Be Independent
- Live Well York