Garden and getting in and out of the house

Navigating the outdoor areas around your home, including paths, steps and the garden, requires attention to safety.

Are paths clear of leaves and overgrown plants?

Keeping your garden tidy and free of obstacles will make it safer

Are your paving stones free of moss and algae?

Moss and algae can become slippery when wet; prune over hanging plants and branches to improve light and air circulation. You can buy products to remove algae or ask someone to remove it with a pressure washer

Do you have any uneven or broken paving slabs?

Ask someone to replace or straighten them up

Are your flower/vegetable beds at ground level (rather than in containers or raised beds)?

Try not to spend too long in one position and take care when standing up from a bent over position 

Try to alternate activities between seated ones and standing ones

Make sure you take breaks to avoid becoming over tired

Consider container gardening or raised beds

Do you have high step(s) to get in and out of the property?

You may benefit from an additional step and / or grab rails

Remember to use your walking aid (if you use one) outdoors as well. Wheeled walking frames aren’t recommended for use outside, four wheeled walkers may be a suitable alternative. Speak to the independant living centre, a mobility shop or your physiotherapist if you are unsure.

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For advice on managing at home, handrails, grab rails, minor adaptations to your home etc:

Independent Living Centre

Contact 01392 390181

https://www.independentlivingcentre.org.uk/

A Devon NHS and Devon County Council funded Equipment and technology centre, offering free, impartial equipment and technology advice, information and assessments. Contact for advice and information or to book an appointment to visit the centre where one of their specialist NHS therapists can assess your needs and demonstrate equipment and technology for daily living and mobility. 

Care Direct

Contact Number: 0345 155 1007

They can provide advice and support working with adults in Devon for whom activities of daily living (because of illness, older age, or a disability) can be difficult. The aim is to help people to live as independently as possible, for as long as possible. They are able to support with getting a personal pendant alarm.

Local Mobility Shops

https://www.independentlivingcentre.org.uk/local-suppliers/

Pinpoint Devon

https://www.pinpointdevon.co.uk/

Providing health and support information for living well and staying safe. They have a directory of community services across Devon.

Plymouth online directory

Plymouth Online Directory - Plymouth Online Directory

a community-based directory with a focus on health, social and wellbeing services in Plymouth.

Or:

Contact your Local Community Rehabilitation Team Contact Numbers:

Axminster: 01297 630435

Crediton: 01363 777561

Exeter Central and East: 01392 465666

Exeter South and West: 01392 908616

Exmouth, Budleigh & Woodbury: 01395 282021

Honiton, Ottery St Mary & Cranbrook: 01404 540549

Okehampton: 01837 658029

Seaton Rehab: 01297 626740

Sidmouth: 01395 519909

Tiverton: 01884 235492

Torbay: 01803 219700

North Devon, Torridge & Plymouth: please contact your GP for referral to the rehabilitation team.

If you are unsure which team to contact, please contact the one closest to your GP.

Alternatively you can contact your GP surgery and ask to be referred for an assessment.

For a Fire Home Safety Check:

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service 

Contact number: 01392 872200

Website: https://www.dsfire.gov.uk/

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