Living Room / Lounge

Your living room is usually where you spend most of your day. That’s why it's essential to make sure it's a safe space to move around freely. Our guidance helps prevent falls and ensure your comfort.

Do you have casters under chairs which makes them likely to slide as you get up?

Casters make furniture easier to move but can cause a problem if they slide back just as you are getting up. Either remove the casters or fit cup shaped carpet savers underneath.

Can you get in and out of your chair safely?

If your chair is too high or too low it may need adjusting to make it easier to get in and out of.

Do you have other chairs in your house which are a better height for you? Get someone to swap them over for you.

Do you have to lean or reach to open windows or curtains because furniture is in the way?

Curtain cords may help to help open and close the curtains without stretching.

Ask someone to help you re-arrange the furniture so that your windows are more accessible

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For further assessment if you are struggling to manage around your home:

Independent Living Centre

Contact 01392 390181 or ilc-exeter@devon.gov.uk

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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Fire Safety Advice

Make sure electrical wires and plugs are maintained and don't overload sockets and if it is not in use SWITCH IT OFF!
Don't dry clothes close to a heat source – they may catch fire from radiated heat
If you smoke make sure you put it out, right out in an ashtray and empty ashtrays regularly

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Self-Assessment

Help and Contacts