Cheshire

Home Safety

Bathroom Safety

Your bathroom can be one of the most high-risk places for potential slips and falls. But by applying the following safety advice, you can greatly reduce the risk.

Your bathroom can be one of the most high-risk places for potential slips and falls. But by applying the following safety advice, you can greatly reduce the risk

Here are some tips to help you identify hazards and reduce falls risk in your bathroom:

Flooring safety

Wet vinyl or tile flooring can pose a high risk of slipping. To prevent accidents, consider using non-slip mats, fitted carpets, or carpet tiles in your bathroom. If the floor gets wet, mop it as soon as possible to minimise risk

Bathing and showering

Make sure that you can access the bath and shower safely. Non-slip rubberized mats are readily available to provide stability. Consider installing a fixed grab rail, which can significantly reduce risk and increase confidence when entering or exiting the bath or shower. If you find it challenging to bathe safely, consider seeking advice regarding additional safety measures or support

Toilet height

Getting on and off the toilet should be safe and comfortable. A toilet that is too high or too low may be more difficult to use and can increase falls risk. Seek further advice if you are unsure or concerned about the height of your toilet

Toilet accessibility

If you use your hands for support when getting on or off the toilet, installing a fixed grab rail or frame around the toilet is a safer option than using a radiator or other bathroom fitting. These options provide more stable support and can be installed by a handy person if help is required

Clear pathways

Having a clear space to move around is very important, especially if you might be rushing to get to the toilet. Avoid having thick or fluffy mats by the bath or toilet that could be a trip or slip hazard. Make sure you have a clear pathway to access the toilet at all times, including during the night

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


Find Support

Please find below useful links, relevant resources and contact information. All links open in a new window and may include links to websites, videos, and PDF files for downloading and printing. 

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Home Adaptations

Contact your local Handyperson Service for support with minor adaptations such as additional handrails:

Cheshire East Handyperson Service: Orbitas
Cheshire West and Chester Handyperson Service: Homekey+

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Managing at Home - Cheshire East

For further assessment, if you are struggling to manage around your home, request an assessment from Adult Social Care by calling 0300 123 5010.

For more information on Social Care Assessments, view social care assessments website
Visit the Choices for Care webpage to complete an online form and identify the support you may need

Managing at Home - Cheshire West and Chester

For information about Adult Social Care and eligibility, view the social care assessments website or telephone the Community Access Team on 0300 123 7034.

Complete a Self-Assessment to establish your support needs, and submit your answers to the Community Access Team for a callback. If you feel you are struggling to manage at home due to changes in your mobility, contact your GP surgery and ask to be referred for assessment for rehabilitation.

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Fire Safety

To schedule a home fire safety check with Cheshire Fire & Rescue, complete an online request form.

Download the Cheshire Fire & Rescue Safe and Well Booklet for more information about reducing the risk of fire in your home at Cheshire Fire & Rescue Safe and Well Booklet

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Helpful Links 

Home adaptations, care services and equipment - NHS
Identifying hazards at home - NHS Inform
Make your Home safer - Age UK
Preventing falls in your home: a room-by-room guide - RoSPA (video)
Avoiding falls within your home - RoSPA
Preventing falls in your home: a guide to safety aids - RoSPA (video)
Preventing falls checklist - RoSPA 

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More on this website

Visit our Information and Advice section
Visit our Staying Active section
Visit our Home Safety section
Visit our Help and Contacts section 
Start your online Self-Assessment

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We include external links to other organisations and partners to provide you with additional information and support. These websites are managed by their own organisations, and Steady On Your Feet isn't responsible for their content or accessibility. We carefully select links from reliable sources, but always check that any information or advice suits your own circumstances. For more details, visit our External Links and Content page.

Help and Contacts

Find contact details for help and support available in your local area