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28 April 2021

Tips for avoiding injuries at home.

Many accidents and injuries that occur around the home are preventable. Regardless of our age or ability, we can all take steps to help be safer in our own homes.

Today we are sharing some handy tips you can follow to avoid common injuries that occur through everyday activities.

In the kitchen.

  • Turn the stove off immediately after use
  • Ensure saucepan and fry pan handles face inwards
  • If required, use assistive technology such as custom made cutting boards and knife guides to prevent cuts caused by food preparation
  • Wipe up any spills immediately
  • Use a push cart if you have trouble moving items and ingredients around
  • If you get tired easily, prepare food when you are feeling strong and alert, such as the beginning of the day
  • If you use a wheelchair and don’t have a modified kitchen, bring cooking tasks such as chopping to your level by chopping on your lap or using another surface at the right height.

In the bathroom.

  • Keep electrical equipment such as hair dryers and shavers away from water
  • Turn your hot water temperature down to avoid burns from hot tap
  • Install a handheld shower
  • Use non-slip mats in the bath or shower
  • If you struggle getting into and out of the bath or shower, try a transfer bench
  • Install rails or bars if you cannot move around safely.

Falls prevention.

  • Pick up and store trip hazards especially smaller items like lego and toys
  • Immediately wipe up spills
  • Ensure you have easy access to visual aids such as glasses
  • Be aware of how medication you are taking impacts reaction times, balance and stability
  • Wear non-slip socks or shoes on slippery floor surfaces
  • If you have diabetes or blood sugar issues, be aware of dizziness or light headedness that may cause unsteadiness on your feet
  • Tie up electrical cords and curtain cords
  • Use rubber grippers or anti-slip mats to prevent rugs from slipping or turning up.

Working at height.

  • Always use the proper equipment to access items that are high up, for example a safety step. Do not stand on chairs, furniture or other items.
  • Ladders are linked to more serious injuries at home than any other product. Avoid using ladders unless you have been properly trained in their use.

Electrical appliances.

  • Discard electrical appliances with frayed/open wiring, or if the plug is cracked or broken
  • Keep electrical and computer cables tidy.
  • Do not try to repair electrical items yourself
  • Keep electrical appliances away from water sources
  • Never touch anything electrical with wet hands
  • Avoid using powerpoints that are damaged or cracked
  • Do not overload powerboards.

General.

  • Be extra mindful of safety hazards when you are feeling tired
  • Declutter floors, main living areas and benchtops to reduce the chance of falls and injuries
  • Objects with wheels such as scooter boards can be hazardous if not stored correctly. Keep items close to hand but in a location where you can’t accidentally stand on them.
  • Ensure high and heavy furniture items such as wardrobes and book cases are anchored to the wall to prevent tip-overs
  • Consider using technology to improve home safety such as smart home assistants and smart locks, doors and lights
  • Only use trampolines with safety nets.

What the NDIS will pay for.

If you are an NDIS participant, you may be able to use your NDIS funds to pay for assistive technology or home modifications to help keep you safe in your home.

Like any supports funded by the NDIS, the purchase must be reasonable and necessary – related to your disability, good value for money and likely to be effective.

The process followed for funding depends on what is required. Some inexpensive items of assistive technology such as non-slip bath mats and modified cutting boards can be purchased without a quote.

Handy resources

Child safety and injury prevention

Fall prevention: Simple tips to prevent falls

Fall prevention: A guide for older adults

Electrical safety at home

How to create a home fire safety plan

Trampoline safety for children and teenagers

Want more great tips, news and NDIS updates?

We’ve enhanced the news section of the Leap in! website so it’s now easier to find, search and filter by condition, service type and budget category.

You can also use our chat function to speak to a member of our team online, call us on 1300 05 78 78 or email or email crew@leapin.com.au

Further reading

Emergency planning: All you need to know.

Staying safe at home: 5 cooking hacks for people with a disability.

Staying safe at home: How to create a home fire safety plan.

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