Staying safe at home

Advice and tips to help you, or your loved one, stay safe at home.

Simple changes that can prevent falls

Six out of every 10 falls happen at home, where we spend much of our time and tend to move around without thinking about our safety. Many falls could be prevented by making simple changes to living areas, as well as personal and lifestyle changes.

More information about fall prevention

Aids for independent living

An Occupational Therapist can carry out a holistic assessment which looks at your health - both mental and physical, and your social care needs, in order to suggest a range of solutions. These might include equipment, adaptations, and assistive technology (telecare).

To help you to continue living independently at home, it may be necessary to make adaptations in your home or use more specialised equipment.

Further information about the Occupational Therapy service.

There are a number of organisations that can help you choose what would best suit your needs as well.

The Disabled Living Foundation (DLF) - is a national charity that provides independent advice on mobility aids, disability aids and daily living equipment. 

AskSara - is a guided advice tool developed to help people find solutions to their daily living problems. It is very simple and free to use. 

Housing Associations - There is an agreement between Bromley Council and Housing Associations in South East London about the provision of minor adaptations. If you live in a Housing Association Property then contact them directly to discuss the minor adaptations you require. 

Support from Bromley Council - For the free provision of equipment and minor adaptations, you will need to be assessed by an occupational therapist as having a permanent, substantial physical disability, in line with the eligibility criteria.

Bogus callers - be alert

You must always be aware of strangers at the door; they may not be what they appear to be. Door to door scams come in a variety of ways including, trying to sell you something, trying to get you to donate to charity, conducting surveys to gather personal information about you.

Scammers may try to get into your house, to steal from you or to get information about you to use to get money from your bank account. If you do not already have one, get a chain fitted to your front door and always put it on before you open the door. Bromley Victim Support can offer advice and support about home security improvements.

The nominated neighbour scheme is is designed to let a trusted neighbour, relative or friend help an elderly or vulnerable person to deal with unexpected or unrecognised callers at their door.

More information about rogue traders and scams.