Home Safety

Moving around safely while cooking or carrying items can be a challenge. Simple adjustments can help reduce the risk of falls and make daily tasks more manageable.

This page helps you make your kitchen safer and easier to use, with practical tips to reduce the risk of falls, burns, and strain when moving around or preparing food.

Tidy, Clear, and Clutter-Free

• Keep walkways clear of boxes, bags, bins and low stools.
• Store everyday items within easy reach — between hip and shoulder height — to avoid stretching or bending.
• Avoid overfilling worktops so you can move around freely.

Avoid Slips on Wet Floors

• Mop up spills straight away to stop water, oil or food from making the floor slippery.
• Use a well-secured non-slip mat in front of the sink or where spills are likely.
• If your flooring is smooth or worn, consider replacing it with something that has better grip.

Safe Reaching and Lifting

• Don’t climb on chairs or stools to reach high shelves — ask for help or use a properly designed step with a handrail.
• If steps are essential, they must be stable, with locking legs and hand support.
• Use a grabber or reaching aid to pick up dropped items or access lower cupboards.

Move Items Around Safely

• If you often carry food or drink from the kitchen to another room, a sturdy kitchen trolley may help or a walking frame caddy.
• Trolleys should only be used for carrying items, not as walking aids — make sure they’re suitable for your needs.
• Take your time, especially when carrying hot items, and avoid overfilling plates or cups.

Consider only filling the kettle with as much water as you need to avoid lifting lots of hot water or use cooking baskets to make draining food easier.

Fire Safety in the Kitchen

Some tips and advice for fire safety in the kitchen:

• Never leave cooking unattended and always double-check that hobs and ovens are switched off after use.
• Keep tea towels, paper, and packaging away from the cooker.
• If you use gas, make sure your kitchen is well ventilated.
• Don’t wear loose clothing when cooking — it can catch fire easily.
• Consider fitting a heat detector in your kitchen (not a smoke alarm, which may be triggered unnecessarily).

Calling for Assistance

If you live alone or spend long periods at home, think about how you’d call for help in the kitchen if needed. A personal alarm worn on the wrist or around the neck can alert someone quickly if you fall or feel unwell.

If you struggle to stand for long enough to prepare food, consider a perching stool or sit in a chair in the kitchen to complete food preparation tasks.

If daily activities – including meal preparation – become challenging, you can contact social services for potential assistance.

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Find local help and support

If you need advice, practical help, equipment, home support, care services or local activities and exercise classes, visit Help and Contacts to find services and support available in your area.

Find local support

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Useful Local Links

Mediquip - Self-funded Perching Stool
Adult social care | Milton Keynes City Council / 01908 253772
Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Age UK Milton Keynes
Community Alarm Service, Milton Keynes City Council
Handy Person Service from Age UK MK- handyperson@ageukmiltonkeynes.org.uk / 01908 550700
Medequip - blmk@medequip-uk.com / 03330917763

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Milton Keynes Falls Service - Staying Steady

Staying Steady Milton Keynes offers specialist support to individuals, mainly aged over 65 years, who have fallen or are at risk of falling. We work with an individual and their carer to make decisions about the best way to reduce the risk of the person falling, raise awareness of risk factors for falling and make any necessary changes to their home to prevent falls.

The service is provided to any person (primarily those aged over 65 years of age) registered with a Milton Keynes Clinical Commissioning Group general practitioner (GP) who has fallen or is at risk of falling.

Tel: 01908725622 
Email: fallsprevention.service@nhs.net
Website: Visit website 

Download Referral Form

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Further information and resources

You may also find the following organisations and resources useful for more information, advice and support related to this topic.

Fire safety tips at home - Age UK
Tips for making your home fire safe - RoSPA
Home adaptations, care services and equipment - NHS
Identifying hazards at home - NHSInform
Preventing falls in your home: a room-by-room guide (video)

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