As autumn arrives, the days get shorter, temperatures drop, and rainy weather often keeps us indoors. This makes it the perfect time to think about comfort and safety at home, especially if you or your loved ones are over 50. A few small changes can make daily life safer, easier and more enjoyable.

Here are 10 simple but effective ways to create a safer home environment.

1. Reduce the risk of slips

Most accidents happen inside the home, a large proportion of these are caused by simple slips. During autumn and winter, wet shoes, damp doormats and bathroom steam can make floors slippery.

• Place a water-absorbing mat by the front door to stop rainwater being carried inside.
  
• Choose rugs with rubber backing so they stay firmly in place.
  
• Place a water-absorbing mat at the entrance to keep moisture out of the home.

2. A safer bathroom design

Bathrooms are one of the most hazardous rooms, especially in colder months when steam and water make surfaces slippery.

• Fit grab rails near the bath, shower and toilet.
• Good lighting helps with visibility.
• Consider slip-resistant flooring and a UDOOR bathtub door, which reduces the step-in height of your bath and makes bathing safer and more comfortable.

3. Install a bathtub door

Stepping into a bath can be difficult and risky, particularly for those with mobility challenges. Bathtub doors are designed to solve this problem. They create a safe, low-level entry point, reducing the risk of slips and falls. Installation only takes a few hours, and it fits into your existing bath without the need for a full bathroom renovation.

4. Improve lighting around the home

As the evenings draw in earlier, lighting becomes more important..

• Place night lights in hallways and along the route to the bathroom.
  
• Motion-sensor lights are a great option to prevent looking for the light switch in the dark. They are handy for night-time trips to the bathroom.

5. Regular maintenance and repairs

Loose handles, uneven flooring or wobbly furniture may seem minor but can easily cause accidents. A quick check of the home every now and then, with small fixes as needed, can prevent bigger problems later.

6. Fire safety checks

As we use more electric heaters in autumn, so fire safety is crucial.

• Install smoke and carbon monoxide alarms and test them regularly.
  
• Replace worn-out extension leads and sockets.
  
• Keep a fire extinguisher handy in the kitchen.

7. Safe arrangement of cables and rugs

Trailing cables and curled rug edges are common tripping hazards.

• Use cable covers or channels to keep wires out of the way.
  
• Place non-slip underlays under rugs so they stay firmly in place.

8. Stay on top of outdoor maintenance

Safety isn’t only about the indoors.

• Check gutters to ensure fallen leaves don’t cause blockages.
  
• Repair uneven paths, steps or paving stones to reduce the risk of trips outside.

9. Keep active and healthy

Staying physical and mental activity helps maintain independence and reduces the risk of accidents. Even in autumn, it’s worth going for a short daily walk or doing light exercises at home.

10. Be prepared for emergencies

Accidents can’t always be avoided, but being prepared can make all the difference.

• Keep a basic first-aid kit in an easy to reach spot.
  
• Make emergency numbers clearly visible and accessible for all family members.
  
• For elderly relatives, a personal alarm or mobile phone with an emergency button can provide extra reassurance.