Home safety

Slippery surfaces and awkward movements can increase the risk of falls in the bathroom. Small adaptations can make everyday tasks safer and easier.

This page offers simple ways to make your bathroom a safer place. From flooring to grab rails, we’ll help you think through changes that can reduce risk and support your independence.

Reduce Slips on Floors and Mats

• Wet floors are a common cause of slips, especially near the bath, sink or toilet.
• Use non-slip mats in areas that often get wet. Always mop up spills and drips as soon as you can.
• Choose flooring that provides natural grip. If you’re updating your bathroom, avoid shiny tiles or smooth vinyl.

Make Bathing Safer

• A non-slip mat or stickers in the bath or shower can help prevent slipping underfoot.
• A grab rail by the bath, shower or toilet can offer extra support when getting in and out.
• A bath board, shower seat or sturdy stool can make washing easier and more comfortable.
• Avoid leaning on towel rails, sink edges or radiators — these aren’t designed to take your weight.

If you’re finding it hard to manage washing or bathing, ask your GP or local adult social care team about an occupational therapy assessment. You may be eligible for equipment, adaptations, or support.

Use the Toilet Safely

• If you find it hard to sit down or stand up, a raised toilet seat or grab rail may help.
• A toilet frame or drop-down rail can give added support if your strength or balance has changed.
• If you often need the toilet at night, make sure there’s a clear, well-lit path from your bed.

Other Useful Tips

• Keep toiletries and items you use often within easy reach to avoid stretching or bending.
• Make sure the bathroom is well-lit — especially if you use it during the night.
• Store cleaning products safely away from where you might trip over them.

Calling for Assistance

If you fall or need help, having a way to call for assistance is vital - especially in rooms like the bathroom, where accidents are more likely.

Keep a mobile phone nearby or think about using a personal alarm that can be worn around your wrist or neck. For advice on alarms and adaptations, your local social care service or home support team can help.

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Find Support

Please find below useful links, relevant resources and contact information. All links open in a new window and may include links to websites, videos, and PDF files for downloading and printing. 

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Local Support 

Visit our Help and Contacts section
Find local help and support
Find help to stay active in your area
Find local home safety support

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Falls Prevention Team

South Tees Falls Team
If you require general falls prevention advice and support or don't know where to start, please contact the Falls Team at Low Grange Health Centre, Monday to Friday, excluding bank holidays, between the hours of 8.30am and 4.30pm.
Phone: 01642 944484
Email: ste-tr.fallsteam@nhs.net

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Social Services

If you are struggling to manage around your home, contact your GP surgery and ask to be referred for a rehabilitation assessment.
Redcar and Cleveland: 01642 065070
Middlesbrough: 01642 065070

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Home and Fire Safety Checks

Cleveland Fire Brigade Safety Check 
Our free Online Home Fire Safety Check is the quickest and easiest way to get personalised advice for your home. The tool provides personalised fire safety advice based on each household’s home, behaviours and lifestyle. 

Offering Safer Homes Visits to people who may be at greater risk from fire. These visits can include our trained staff visiting your home to provide safety advice, conduct smoke alarm checks, and fit free alarms if needed.

Hartlepool: 01429 851258
Middlesbrough: 01642 811650
Redcar and Cleveland: 01642 777651
Stockton-on-Tees: 01642 366180

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Support Services

Age UK Teesside
Age UK Teesside has a wide range of services to help over-50s in Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland make the most of their lives, finances, social lives, and health & wellbeing.
Phone: 01642 805500
Email: info@ageukteesside.org.uk

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Helpful Links 

Home adaptations, care services and equipment - NHS
Identifying hazards at home - NHS Inform
Make your Home safer - Age UK
Preventing falls in your home: a room-by-room guide - RoSPA (video)
Avoiding falls within your home - RoSPA
Preventing falls in your home: a guide to safety aids - RoSPA (video)
Preventing falls checklist - RoSPA 

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More on this website

Visit our Information and Advice section
Visit our Staying Active section
Visit our Home Safety section
Visit our Help and Contacts section 
Start your online Self-Assessment

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