Moving around your home
Can you move around your home and transfer to and from chairs, bed etc. without help?
Being able to move around your own home is an important part of life, helping you to keep your independence. If you (or a loved one) are beginning to struggle to get around your home, then making some small changes can help.
Top tips
Look for daily living equipment that can help you (or a loved one) to stay safe when moving around
Examples could be:
- a walking stick
- motion-sensor night-lights
Take a look at our ‘interactive house’ to find out about the range of equipment that’s available.
Think about making some changes to your home
Perhaps installing grab rails or a stairlift would be helpful. See the 'funding adaptations and equipment' page for more information.
Move more
Regular physical activity helps to strengthen muscles and improves balance and co-ordination.
Commonly asked questions Back to top
I'm worried about falling. Is it best to avoid anything too energetic?
No. The best thing to do is to keep moving. Doing regular exercise can improve your strength and balance and reduce your risk of having a fall.
This can include activities such as walking and dancing, or specialist training programmes. Many community centres and local gyms offer specialist training programmes for older people. You can even do exercise at home.
See our physical activity for older people page for more information.
If you have had a fall recently, you may want to see your GP and discuss what can be done to prevent any future falls.
What things can I use to help me stay independent?
There's a whole world of daily living aids and technology out there that could make your life easier.
Simple gadgets like long-handled shoe horns, key turners and lap trays can really help. There are also larger items like grab rails and handrails. Plus, home adaptations like walk-in showers may be useful.
Take a look at our ‘daily living equipment’ pages to help you find the items you may need and where you can buy them.
How much do these gadgets and home adaptations cost?
They can range in price from very cheap to more expensive. Most of the equipment is reasonably priced and is widely available to either buy or borrow.
If you're disabled, you could apply for a disabled facilities grant that can help you to make the changes you need to your home.
You may find these web sites helpful:
- Daily living equipment and technology can help people to manage their everyday tasks and stay independent in their own homes. Take a look at our ‘interactive house’ to find out what equipment could help.
- The FallCheck app can help prevent falls in your home.
- NHS falls risk check
Support
Are you are struggling moving around your home? You can contact our Staffordshire Cares team.