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Cheshire
Navigating a home safely is essential for everyone, especially for those with sensory impairments.
Navigating a home safely is essential for everyone, especially for those with sensory impairments such as hearing or visual difficulties. Vision and hearing are both very important in helping you to move around safely. Vision plays a vital role in maintaining your balance, and hearing allows you to have a better awareness of your surroundings.
Here are some tips to help you create a safe environment tailored to the needs of those who have sensory impairments:
For individuals with visual impairments, proper lighting is vital. Choose bright fluorescent bulbs to make sure there is enough light throughout the home.
Maintain uniform lighting levels across different rooms to avoid sudden changes in brightness. Consider adding lighting to dimly lit areas and using curtains or shades to minimise glare.
Install night lights along pathways from bedrooms to bathrooms to assist with walking at night-time, for example to get to the toilet. Night lights provide enough light for safety without disrupting sleep.
Schedule routine eye examinations with opticians to address vision-related concerns. Updated visual aids, such as glasses or magnifiers, can significantly improve safety and independence at home.
Make sure you have your hearing checked regularly. If you have them, keep your hearing aids in good condition and wear them as advised.
Eliminate tripping hazards by keeping pathways clear of clutter, loose rugs, and obstacles. Secure carpets and rugs to prevent slips and falls.
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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Cheshire East Live Well: Sight loss local support services
Cheshire West and Chester: Sensory impairment information
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Loss of vision - NHS
Navigating sight loss - RNIB
Eye health advice - Age UK
Eye health and sight loss advice - RNIB
Having an eye examination at home - RNIB
Free Online hearing test - RNID
Hearing loss guidance - Age UK
Smart technology for the home - RNIB
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Help and Contacts
Please note that the advice contained on this website is not intended to replace the advice of your GP or other health professional