Home safety

Your kitchen can be a bustling area, but it's important to maintain safety here to minimise your risk of falling. Our easy-to-follow advice helps you identify hazards and reduce falls risk in the kitchen.

Your kitchen can be a bustling area, but it's important to maintain safety here to minimise your risk of falling. Our easy-to-follow advice helps you identify hazards and reduce falls risk in the kitchen:

• Wet flooring: Is there a chance of slipping on wet floors, especially near the sink and washing machine? To reduce the risk, use non-slip mats, fitted carpets, or carpet tiles in wet areas. Promptly mop up wet floor areas to prevent accidents.
• Accessibility: Are your everyday items within easy reach, or do you find yourself stretching or climbing on chairs or stools? Make sure that frequently used items are placed on easily reached shelves. And try to avoid reaching above head height, as it can lead to dizziness.
• Steps and ladders: If you have to use steps, are they secure, with a handrail and a system to keep the legs locked? Never use chairs or stools to stand on because they may tip over easily. Properly designed steps with an effective handrail and leg-lock mechanism can be used safely if you are physically fit.
• Carrying items: Do you struggle to carry items from the kitchen to the dining area? If so, a kitchen trolley might be helpful. However, keep in mind that trolleys are not meant as walking aids but for transporting items. If you have concerns about your stability, consult with a mobility aid shop, or request a referral to an Occupational Therapist or Physiotherapist.

For adaptations and other solutions, including handrails, consider speaking to organisations specialising in home modifications or social services. Their expertise can help ensure your kitchen is a safe and functional space.