Home Safety for Older People: A Room-by-Room Guide

Practical, low-cost changes that make a UK home safer for older people, covering falls, lighting, bathrooms, kitchens, fire safety and getting help in an emergency.

For most older people, home is where they want to stay, and small changes can make that safer and more comfortable for longer. The biggest everyday risk is usually falls, followed by fire, scalds and cold homes. The suggestions below are mostly inexpensive and can be done gradually. They are general information, and your GP, occupational therapist or local council can give personalised advice.

Start with a conversation

Whether it is you or a relative, begin by asking what feels difficult: stairs, getting out of the bath, finding the light switch at night, reaching shelves. Making changes that match real difficulties is more useful than generic lists, and respects the person's independence.

Falls: the main hazard

Floors and walkways

• Remove loose rugs or fix them with non-slip backing and tape.
• Tuck cables away from walking routes.
• Keep floors clear of clutter and pets' toys.
• Repair loose carpet edges and damaged flooring.

Stairs

• Fit a secure handrail on both sides where possible.
• Make sure stair carpet is firmly fixed.
• Use contrasting stair edging so steps are easy to see.
• Keep stairs clear of items, even temporarily.

Lighting

• Fit brighter bulbs, but avoid glare.
• Put night lights on the route from bedroom to bathroom.
• Install switches at the top and bottom of stairs.
• Consider motion-sensor lights in halls.

Bathroom

Grab rails should be fixed into solid wall or studs, not plasterboard alone, by someone competent.

Kitchen

• Keep frequently used items between hip and shoulder height.
• Use a step stool with a handle, or a reaching aid, rather than a chair.
• Mop up spills promptly.
• Consider an automatic shut-off cooker or kettle tipper if memory is a concern.
• Keep a fire blanket within reach and know how to use it.

Fire and gas safety

• Test smoke alarms monthly and consider interlinked alarms. See our smoke alarm testing schedule.
• Fit a carbon monoxide alarm; see the CO alarm guide.
• Have gas appliances serviced annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
• Keep heaters and candles away from curtains and bedding.
• Many fire and rescue services offer free home safety visits.

Warmth and comfort

Cold homes affect health and increase fall risk, since muscles and joints stiffen. Many people find 18 to 21 degrees comfortable in rooms they use, and bedrooms a little cooler. Check your heating controls are easy to understand and reach. See heating controls explained.

Being able to get help

• Keep a phone within reach, including at night.
• Consider a personal alarm pendant or a smart speaker for hands-free calling.
• Put a list of emergency numbers by the phone, in large print.
• Consider a key safe fitted by a competent person so family or carers can enter in an emergency.
• Share a spare key or arrangement with a trusted neighbour.

Security

• Fit door chains or viewers, and ask visitors for ID.
• Be wary of cold callers and doorstep sales. Set up the Telephone Preference Service if calls are a problem.
• Keep valuables out of sight.

Support and funding

Local councils may offer assessments, equipment and, in some cases, grants for adaptations. Home improvement agencies, charities and occupational therapists can help. Start by contacting your council's adult social care team.

Finding a tradesperson

Ask for fitted work to be done by a competent person, and for anything involving gas or electricity to be done by a registered professional. You can search on Compito, compare ID-verified providers by postcode and send a request. For wider seasonal care, see our winter checklist.

A room-by-room walk-through you can do in half an hour

Walk the home as if you were someone with unsteady legs and poor eyesight, at night and in slippers.

1. Front door and hall: is there a step, loose mat or poor light? Can you see who is at the door safely?
2. Living room: are chairs the right height to stand up from? Are cables across the floor?
3. Kitchen: can you reach everyday items without a stool? Is the floor slippery when wet?
4. Stairs and landing: are handrails secure, lights bright and treads even?
5. Bedroom: is there a lamp within reach, a clear path to the bathroom and a phone nearby?
6. Bathroom: are there rails, a non-slip surface and a cord or alarm if help is needed?

Write down what you notice and tackle the top three first.

Memory, eyesight and hearing

• Choose smoke alarms with flashing lights or vibrating pads if hearing is poor.
• Use large-print labels for medicines and heating controls.
• Put reminders on the fridge door and a clock with the day and date where it is easy to see.
• Keep a simple list of daily and weekly tasks that a family member can check.

Agree on the small things with family

Many families worry quietly. A calm conversation about who has a key, who to call in an emergency and what the person would like help with avoids misunderstanding. Respect the person's wishes, and try not to rearrange the home without asking.

Choosing and supervising help

For fitted work, such as rails or stair banisters, ask a competent person and ensure the fixing is into solid structure. Ask for a clear price and time, and consider having a relative present on the day. See should you be home during the job and doorstep selling and cold callers.

Frequently asked questions

What is the most common cause of accidents at home for older people?

Falls are the leading concern, on stairs, in bathrooms and from tripping on clutter or rugs.

Are grab rails difficult to fit?

They are simple in principle but must be secured to a solid fixing. If walls are tiled or plasterboard, ask a handyperson or builder.

Who can assess what changes are needed?

Your GP or local council can arrange an occupational therapy assessment, which can recommend adaptations and equipment.

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