Home Safety

Navigating a home safely is essential for everyone, especially for those with sensory impairments.

This page shares practical advice to support your vision and hearing, helping you reduce the risk of falls and feel more aware of your surroundings at home.

Improve Lighting in and Between Rooms

• Make sure every area of your home is well-lit, especially stairs, hallways and entrances.
• Use bright, energy-efficient bulbs. Fluorescent or LED bulbs are cost-effective and provide strong, even light.
• Try to keep lighting levels similar in each room to avoid sudden changes in brightness.
• Use lamps or wall lights in corners and darker areas.
• Reduce glare from windows or shiny floors by using blinds or light curtains.

Make Night-time Safer

• Plug-in night lights can help you safely get to the bathroom or hallway in the dark.
• A dusk-to-dawn night light automatically switches on when it gets dark — no need to remember it each night.
• Avoid walking in the dark — turn on a light before moving from one room to another.

Look After Your Eyesight

• Have your eyes tested at least once every two years — more often if advised by your optician.
• Your prescription can change over time, and it’s important that your glasses match your current needs.
• Be careful with bifocals and varifocals, especially on steps, stairs and uneven surfaces.
• If you can’t leave home, ask your optician about a home visit.

For more information, visit the Vision section in our advice library.

Support Your Hearing

• If you're struggling to hear clearly, book a hearing test or speak to your GP.
• Poor hearing can affect balance, increase confusion, and make it harder to notice hazards.
• If you use a hearing aid, make sure it's clean, working properly, and worn during the day.
• Don’t ignore signs like ringing, muffled sounds, or difficulty following conversations — help is available.

For more information, visit the RNID Hearing Tests and Support.

Calling for Assistance

If you're concerned about hearing an alarm, doorbell or phone, specialist equipment is available — such as flashing alarms or vibrating alerts. Personal alarms worn on your wrist or neck can also provide peace of mind.

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Useful Links and Contacts

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Age UK: Eye Health Information and Advice

Having problems with your vision doesn't just make day-to-day life more difficult – it can also put you at risk of falls, driving accidents, and incorrect use of medications.

View Age UK: Eye Health Information and Advice

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Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB): Eye Health

If you have questions about eye health, you're in the right place. You can find information on eye conditions, how to look after your eyes and what to expect if you're diagnosed with sight loss.

View RNIB Eye Health

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Help and Contacts

Find local and national services that can offer advice, support, and practical help. Whether you’re looking for someone to speak to, equipment for your home, or help finding the right activity, this section brings useful contacts together in one place.

Find help and contacts

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Local Rehabilitation Teams

Find local contact details for NHS and community teams across the Devon area that support people struggling to manage at home. These services may include further assessments, rehabilitation, and home visits to help reduce your risk.

Find local rehabilitation teams

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Local Support Services

Find local services that offer advice, support, and practical help to stay safe, independent, and well at home, including help with equipment and mobility, home safety, care support, and general advice about ageing well in Devon.

Find local services

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Telecare and Alarms

Find services that provide personal alarms, telecare equipment and other ways to get help if you fall or need urgent support at home. These services can help you stay independent and feel safer on a day-to-day basis.

Find local telecare and alarms services

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