Home Safety

The living room or lounge is a place to relax, but loose rugs, trailing wires or low furniture can all raise your risk of tripping or falling.

This page helps you make your living space safer and easier to move around. From seating height to furniture layout, small changes can make a big difference to comfort and confidence at home.

Check Your Seating

• Make sure your chair is at a suitable height. If it's too low or too soft, it may be harder to stand up safely.
• If another chair in your home is better suited, consider swapping it into your living space.
• Avoid chairs with wheels or casters, as these can move unexpectedly when you're sitting down or getting up.
• Chair risers or extra cushions can help, but only if they're stable and don’t slip.

Reduce Clutter and Hazards

• Keep floors clear of books, shoes, bags or other items that could cause a trip.
• Tuck away wires and cords from lamps or chargers — use clips or tape to keep them close to the wall.
• Avoid overloading sockets or using long extension cables where you walk.

Be Mindful of Rugs and Flooring

• Remove any loose mats or rugs that could curl or slide.
• If you choose to keep a rug, use non-slip backing or rug grips to hold it securely in place.
• Watch for worn carpet edges or transitions between rooms that may be uneven or raised.

Think About Room Layout

• Arrange furniture to create clear, wide walkways — especially between frequently used areas.
• If you use a walking aid, make sure there's enough room to use it without bumping into furniture.
• Keep items you use often, like the TV remote, reading glasses or phone, within easy reach.

Calling for Assistance

If you live alone, consider keeping a phone, personal alarm or alert system close to where you sit. A wristband or pendant alarm means you can call for help if you need it, without having to reach across the room.

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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-funding Seating Information (PDF)
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.

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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