Living Room or Lounge

By recognising and addressing potential fall hazards at home, you can significantly reduce the risk of falls, accidents and injuries. We'll help you spot common causes, and discover easy ways to make your home safer.

Here are some tips to help you spot hazards and reduce falls risk in your living room:

Chair castors

Are there castors under your chairs that make them slide when you're trying to get up? While castors make furniture easier to move, they can be risky. Consider removing them or replacing them with cup-shaped carpet savers to prevent unwanted chair movement

Chair height

Can you get in and out of your chair comfortably? If your chair is too high or too low, it may make sitting or standing more difficult, and increase your risk of falls. Adjust the chair's height if needed or consider swapping it with one that suits you better

Obstructed windows

Do you have to lean or reach to open windows or curtains because furniture is in the way? This can be a tripping hazard. Ask for assistance to rearrange your furniture, making sure that windows and curtains are easily accessible

Clear pathways

Do you have objects or furniture on the floor which may block your pathway when walking around the room? This can make walking more difficult if having to step around things and poses a trip hazard. Make sure you create enough space to walk around freely

Creating a safe living room environment is essential for preventing falls and ensuring your comfort. If you need further assistance or information, consider reaching out to local resources such as social services, or the fire brigade.

Links and Resources

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+

Managing at Home:

For further assessment, if you are struggling to manage around your home, contact Social Services:

Cheshire East:

Request an assessment from Adult Social Care by telephoning 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

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 call back

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.

Fire Safety:

For a fire home 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

Cheshire Fire & Rescue Safe and Well Booklet

Fire Safety Advice

Make sure electrical wires and plugs are kept in good condition, and don't overload sockets
Don't dry clothes too close to a heat source – they may catch fire from radiated heat
If you smoke make sure you put it out fully in an ashtray and empty ashtrays regularly