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. 

For a full list of organisations in your local area that can support you, help you to stay active, and improve your home safety, please visit our help and contacts section.

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Support Services

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

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.
01642 944484 / ste-tr.fallsteam@nhs.net

Age UK Teesside
Age UK Teesside has a wide range of services to help over 50s in Middlesbrough and Redcar & Cleveland to achieve the best out of their lives, their finances, social life and health & wellbeing
01642 805500 / info@ageukteesside.org.uk

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Home Adaptations and Support

Handyperson and Adaptations, Redcar and Cleveland
We offer assistance to older, disabled and vulnerable people by providing advice on housing options, minor and major housing adaptations as well as delivering a handyperson service for small jobs.
01642 771500 / HandyPersonAndAdaptations@redcar-cleveland.gov.uk 

Middlesbrough Staying Put Agency
Middlesbrough Staying Put Agency (SPA) is a home improvement agency that offers specialist support and advice to older, vulnerable, and disabled people to help them remain safe and independent in their own homes. 
0800 5875 184 / stayingputagency@middlesbrough.gov.uk

Middlesbrough Assistive Technology
Assistive technology means devices or systems that can help you do everyday things that might be hard or impossible otherwise. It can help with a range of difficulties, including memory and movement problems. It can also be called 'technology-enabled care' (TEC).
01642 726009 / telecare@middlesbrough.gov.uk

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Fire Safety

Cleveland Fire Brigade Safety Check 
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.
01429 874063

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Pendant Alarm and Response Services

Connect Middlesbrough
We offer emergency help and support, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Connect is easy to use and gives you extra security and peace of mind. All of our staff are highly-trained and qualified. We're committed to helping our residents stay safe and independent in their own homes.
01642 726009 / controlroom@middlesbrough.gov.uk

Beyond Housing Reach and Response
For pendant alarm and telecare services in Redcar and Cleveland.
01642 771339

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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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