Staying safe at home
From preventing falls to being aware of scammers and intruders, this advice and guidance will help you to stay safe in your home and maintain independence.
Preventing falls at home
Look after your environment
- Mop up spillages straightaway
- Install grab or hand rails for extra support
- Keep your home free of clutter and obstacles such as frayed carpet and wires, especially near stairs
- Keep things organised so you don't need to bend, lift or stretch to reach things
- Use non-slip rugs, bath and shower mats
- Make sure rooms, staircases and hallways are well lit
- Buy equipment or aids that can help with daily tasks. Look at equipment for your home.
Look after your health
- Regular exercise can improve strength and mobility. Look at ways you can be active.
- Take care of your feet and see a GP or chiropodist about any problems
- Get regular eye tests or make an appointment if you're worried about poor vision. Some opticians offer a home service. Find an optician near you.
- Avoiding alcohol or reducing the amount you drink can reduce the risk of having a fall.
- Take your time getting up or standing up. Postural hypertension - a sudden drop in blood pressure when standing after sitting or lying down - can cause dizziness and increase the risk of falls. Get up slowly, or in stages and drink a glass of water before standing.
- If you do have a fall, you should see your GP to check what's causing it and if it's likely to happen again.
Help if you fall or are at risk of falling
The NHS falls prevention service will assess and rehabilitate adults who have fallen or who are at high risk of falling. Find out more at Merseycare - Liverpool Community Falls Team.
Being aware of intruders and scammers
Intruders
- keep valuable items safe and out of view
- think about installing a video doorbell, camera or motion activated lights.
- give spare keys to family or neighbours, or purchase a secure key safe. Never leave keys under plant pots or door mats.
- always keep doors and windows locked when you can.
Unexpected visitors and cold callers
Unless you are expecting someone, the best bet is not to answer the door. You could look out of a peephole or window first and don't answer if it feels suspicious.
- consider installing a door chain
- always ask for photo ID to prove the person is who they claim to be
- never give money or bank details
- ask questions
- close the door if you don't feel safe
- if knocking is constant, contact a family member or neighbour or call the police on the non-emergency 101 number.
- buy a 'no sales or cold caller' sticker for your front door.
- if the person claims there is a problem with your property, the likelihood is you would already know about the problem. If you are concerned there is a problem, you can always find a reputable tradesperson another time.
Phone and internet scams
In most scams, criminals pretend they are an employee from your bank, local council or internet provider.
Phone scammers may state you are either owed money or someone has tried to take money from your account. In order to 'fix' the problem, they will ask for your bank details.
Internet scammers may state that a virus has infected your computer and may ask you to download specific software. They will then use this to steal information from your computer, such as your stored passwords for online banking and shopping accounts.
Don't share your bank details or give access to your computer
- Banks will never ask you to move money to another account over the phone or by email, or ask you to share your online security number or PIN.
- Your internet provider will never call or email you to tell you that your computer has a virus and they need access to fix it.
If you do receive a call or email asking for these details, hang up or delete the email. If you're unsure, always contact your bank or internet provider directly.
Get Safe Online provides practical advice on how to protect yourself and your devices against fraud and viruses.
Reporting abuse or neglect
If you, or someone you know, is vulnerable and being abused you can report this to the council. The council has a duty to investigate safeguarding concerns under the Care Act. Find out how to report a safeguarding concern.
Reporting a crime
If you think a crime has been committed and it is an emergency, call 999. In a non-emergency situation, call 101.