Kitchen

Your kitchen can be a bustling area, but it's crucial to maintain safety to minimise your risk of falling. Our easy-to-follow advice helps you identify hazards and enhance safety in the kitchen.

Is there a risk of falling on wet flooring especially near the sink and washing machine?

Non-slip mats, a fitted carpet or carpet tiles should be used.  Wet floor areas should be mopped as soon as possible.

Is everything within easy reach without stretching or climbing on chairs/stools etc?

Stretching and reaching above head height can make you feel dizzy and there is a temptation to climb up on chairs to reach something. Things, which are used regularly, should be on the ‘easy to reach shelves’.

If steps have to be used are they secure with a handrail and system to keep the legs locked?

Never use a chair or a stool to stand on. Properly designed steps can be used in reasonable safety if you are fit enough. They must be designed with an effective handrail and with an easily applied lock for the legs. If possible ask someone else to help.

Do you struggle to carry items from the kitchen to dining area?

You might benefit from a kitchen trolley. Trolleys are not recommended as a walking aid they are to carry items from one place to another. If you are unsteady on your feet you will need an assessment to see if a trolley is safe for you to use.

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For 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.

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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