Navigating the outdoor areas around your home, including paths, steps and the garden, requires attention to safety. 

Here are some tips to help you identify hazards and outdoor areas of your home:

Clear pathways

Are your paths clear of leaves and overgrown plants? Maintaining tidy outdoor areas, free of obstacles, is essential for safety. Regularly clear away leaves and trim overgrown plants to keep pathways clear.

Slippery surfaces

Are your paving stones free of moss and algae? If not, this can become slippery when wet. Prune overhanging plants and branches to improve lighting. You can purchase products to remove algae or get help from someone to do it with a pressure washer.

Uneven or broken paving

Do you have any uneven or broken paving slabs? These can be trip hazards. Arrange for someone to replace or straighten them to  make sure your walking surface is level.

Gardening considerations

Are your flower beds at ground level? They’ll be easier to access if they’re in containers or raised beds. When you are in the garden, avoid spending too much time in one position and be cautious when standing up from a bent-over position as this may cause dizziness.

Entry steps

Do you have steps to get in and out of the property? Consider installing an additional step, grab rails, or a ramp depending on your needs, to increase stability and safety. If you’re concerned about accessing your property, seek professional advice or assessment to help identify a solution.

Walking aids

If you use a walking aid, do you have an appropriate one to use outdoors? Wheeled zimmer frames are not safe for outdoor use. If a walking stick does not provide enough support, consider an outdoor walker such as a 3- or 4-wheeled walker. These are available for purchase from mobility shops or the Internet.

For adaptations and other solutions, consider speaking to organisations specialising in home or garden modifications or social services. Their expertise can help ensure your outdoor area is safe and functional.

To find a local handyman or gardener, who can fit solutions or help with external areas around your home, contact your local council.

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