Home Safety

Getting out and about is important for our daily lives and wellbeing. There are multiple falls risks out in the community but being aware of them, and forward planning can reduce your risk of falls.

This page offers practical tips to help you feel safer and more confident outside your home, whether you're heading to the garden, walking to the shops, or navigating your driveway or front step.

Check Paths and Paving

• Look for loose or uneven paving slabs — these can cause trips even if you know your route well.
• Moss, algae and wet leaves can be very slippery. Ask someone to clear these for you, or use a pressure washer or anti-slip treatment if possible.
• Cut back overgrown plants and bushes to keep paths clear and improve visibility.
• If areas are dim or shaded, consider adding outdoor solar lighting.

If you have any concerns about lighting or the condition of your local area, please report it to Milton Keynes Council, who may be able to support with this.

Take Care on Steps and Doorways

• If you have a high or steep doorstep, consider adding a second step to reduce the height.
• Grab rails next to front or back doors can give added support — especially in bad weather.
• Make sure door mats are flat and non-slip.

Ensure you have good lighting on all access areas, stairs and in commonly used areas

Gardening and Outdoor Tasks

• Try not to stay in one position for too long — whether standing, bending or kneeling.
• Use tools with long handles where possible to avoid over-reaching.
• Raised beds or container gardens are easier to access than ground-level planting.
• Always wear supportive footwear and gloves with a good grip.

If you are struggling with moving your bins on your collection day, please contact Milton Keynes Council for supported bin collections.

When Using a Walking Aid

• Always take your walking aid with you — even for short trips to the bin or garden shed.
• Keep the wheels or rubber tips clean and check for wear.
• Store it in a place that's dry and easy to reach when leaving the house.

In Different Weather Conditions

• In icy or wet conditions, only go outside if you feel confident and well supported.
• Wear shoes or boots with a good grip and avoid smooth soles.
• Carry a mobile phone in case you need help while out.
• If you’re worried about slippery paths, speak to someone about getting gritting salt or support with winter maintenance.

📖 For more seasonal advice, visit our Weather and Seasonal Safety page.

Calling for Assistance

If you ever fall or need help, it’s important to have a simple way to call for assistance - especially if you live alone.

Keeping a mobile phone close by or having a landline phone within reach can make a big difference. You might also want to think about using a personal alarm, such as a pendant or wrist-worn device, so you can get help quickly if you can’t get to a phone.

If you're unsure what's right for you, local social care services or home adaptation teams can help you find safe, reliable options.

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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

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.

Avoiding falls out and about - RoSPA
Home adaptations, care services and equipment - NHS
Preventing falls in your home: a room-by-room guide (video)

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