Home Safety

Changes in sight or hearing can affect how safely you move around. Good lighting, regular eye tests and simple equipment can all help.

This page shares practical advice to support your vision and hearing, helping you reduce the risk of falls and feel more aware of your surroundings at home.

Improve Lighting in and Between Rooms

• Make sure every area of your home is well-lit, especially stairs, hallways and entrances.
• Use bright, energy-efficient bulbs. Fluorescent or LED bulbs are cost-effective and provide strong, even light.
• Try to keep lighting levels similar in each room to avoid sudden changes in brightness.
• Use lamps or wall lights in corners and darker areas.
• Reduce glare from windows or shiny floors by using blinds or light curtains.

Make Night-time Safer

• Plug-in night lights can help you safely get to the bathroom or hallway in the dark.
• A dusk-to-dawn night light automatically switches on when it gets dark — no need to remember it each night.
• Avoid walking in the dark — turn on a light before moving from one room to another.

Look After Your Eyesight

• Have your eyes tested at least once every two years — more often if advised by your optician.
• Your prescription can change over time, and it’s important that your glasses match your current needs.
• Be careful with bifocals and varifocals, especially on steps, stairs and uneven surfaces.
• If you can’t leave home, ask your optician about a home visit.

For more information, visit the Vision section in our advice library.

Support Your Hearing

• If you're struggling to hear clearly, book a hearing test or speak to your GP.
• Poor hearing can affect balance, increase confusion, and make it harder to notice hazards.
• If you use a hearing aid, make sure it's clean, working properly, and worn during the day.
• Don’t ignore signs like ringing, muffled sounds, or difficulty following conversations — help is available.

For more information, visit the RNID Hearing Tests and Support.

Calling for Assistance

If you're concerned about hearing an alarm, doorbell or phone, specialist equipment is available — such as flashing alarms or vibrating alerts. Personal alarms worn on your wrist or neck can also provide peace of mind.

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Useful Links and Contacts

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Age UK: Eye Health Information and Advice

Having problems with your vision doesn't just make day-to-day life more difficult – it can also put you at risk of falls, driving accidents, and incorrect use of medications.

View Age UK: Eye Health Information and Advice

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Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB): Eye Health

If you have questions about eye health, you're in the right place. You can find information on eye conditions, how to look after your eyes and what to expect if you're diagnosed with sight loss.

View RNIB Eye Health

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Home Safety Help and Contacts

These contacts can help you make your home safer and reduce the risk of falls. From home safety checks to equipment advice, you’ll find support to help you stay confident and independent at home.

Find Home Safety support

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Help and Contacts

Find local and national services that can offer advice, support, and practical help. Whether you’re looking for someone to speak to, equipment for your home, or help finding the right activity, this section brings useful contacts together in one place.

Find help and contacts

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