Remove any trip hazards or clutter that may block the path between doors and the back yard area.

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Use high visibility tape or paint to mark any stairs or raised areas, as these can be a trip hazard.

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If you have stairs leading from the back door consider installing a handrail for support. Check existing rails are safe, sturdy and meet Australian building codes.

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Locked security screens can allow your door to be open whilst still providing safety. A spare key can be kept in a key safe or with a trusted family member or neighbour. Having one master key to unlock all doors in the home can make access easier.

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Glass sliding doors can be dangerous in terms of visibility. Placing stickers or decorations on the door, especially at eye height can help.

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Although daily tasks provide a good source of exercise consider the distance you need to carry washing and the path you travel. As wet washing is heavy and dry washing bulky, a washing trolley maybe helpful.

Reaching up to peg clothes on a high line can be difficult. Consider switching high fixed clotheslines for one you can easily lower and raise. Wall mounted lines that fold down are useful, as are portable folding clothes racks.

As with all outdoor fixtures, the weather can easily affect the function and safety of clotheslines. Ensure your line is sturdy and intact. Beware of perished plastic or wire lines that may snap under pressure.

With many drowning incidents occurring each year, the Australian government regularly updates pool safety requirements. Have a qualified professional come and review your pool to ensure it meets the current laws and codes.

Being a wet area, ensure you remove any slip hazards. These may include broken or slippery tiles, exposed pipes
or cables and decorative elements such as pot plants or garden ornaments.

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Ensure all pool cleaners and chemicals such as chlorine, are stored safely in a locked shed or cupboard. Check these are ‘in date’, as chemicals can be volatile and dangerous.

Pools and spas are high maintenance. If left unattended they quickly become breeding grounds for mosquitoes, toads and other unwanted pests. Algae blooms can form and filters are easily blocked by tree debris. If you are having difficulty regularly cleaning your pool, employ a company to maintain it for you or empty the pool until it can be maintained more frequently.

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As a gas cooking appliance barbecues need regular inspection for leaks and faults. Gas bottles also need to be ‘in date’ and replaced regularly. Cooking plates need to be properly cleaned for food safety prior to every use.

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Choose furniture that is the right height and sturdiness. Glass top tables can be hazardous, consider replacing with an alternative. Be careful when moving outdoor items, as advised during storm preparation. Ask for help in these situations.

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Outdoor furniture, decks, cement patios and tiles are exposed to the elements often leading to moss build up, and wear and tear. These areas can become slippery and dangerous. Leaf debris can also become a slip hazard. Regular pressure cleaning of these areas can minimise these risks.

As we age our ability to regulate our temperature can lessen leading to a stronger reaction to heat and cold. Installing umbrellas or undercover shade solutions that provide protection from the elements, especially the sun can be beneficial.

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Raised garden beds are more ergonomic. Wide edges double as a seat. Having gardens you can access from all sides can minimise back and joint injuries.

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Ensure you can access water without having to carry buckets or watering cans. Retractable hoses and garden irrigation systems are ideal.

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When gardening make sure you have appropriate footwear, gloves and eye protection. Long sleeves and pants are helpful for sun safety. These items can help prevent injury. Always wear a mask if working with fertilizers or herbicide chemicals. If you do have a cut or injury make sure you apply appropriate wound care as our skin and immune system can become more fragile as we age.

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Regularly clean pet bowls as ants and other vermin will be attracted to this area. Toads in water bowls can be highly dangerous to pets.

Dispose animal waste appropriately, you can not use the council green waste bins. There are several pet waste disposal systems on the market. Mop up any wet accidents on tiles or cement, as these can become a slip hazard.

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Pet items can become a trip hazard. Move these somewhere easy for your pet to access that is out of the main thoroughfare.

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Rearrange and store the contents of your shed in a way that minimises the need to lift heavy items. Place more commonly used tools towards the front and consider investing in storage solutions that help make tools easy to find and access.

Regularly check the items in your shed. Ensure you maintain power tools and throw away any outdated chemicals.

Chemicals such as fertilizers and sharp tools like axes and chainsaws can become more dangerous if we have mobility or cognitive conditions. Lock away these items to avoid accidental use and only access with appropriate supervision.

Garden sheds can harbour animals such as spiders and snakes. Always wear covered footwear and gloves when entering the shed and ensure you have good lighting to see all areas of storage.

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Ensure the bathroom sink is easy to use by assessing the height of your basin, especially if you need to sit down due to mobility. Hand strength may diminish as you age so consider modifying your taps for easy grip or install tap turners.

Reduce the risk of scalding by setting the thermostat on your hot water system. Some house plumbing systems allow you to manage exact water temperature out of the tap through a temperature controller.

To minimise slip risks install handrails around your bathroom especially in areas that may have water spills or damp surfaces such as the sink, shower or bathtub.

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Store all medications in a way that enables safe access. For daily medication consider using pillboxes or specifically dispensed blister packs from your pharmacy. Store less frequently used medication together and ensure they are identifiable in the original packaging.

Regularly clean and check the contents of your cupboard for ‘out of date’ medications and personal hygiene products. Throw away all expired items.

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If you or a loved one has a condition that affects memory and perception such as Dementia it is important that access to medication and personal products such as aftershave are supervised. Storing these items out of sight on higher shelves may be appropriate. In some cases a locked cupboard may be necessary.

It can be harder to step into a bath or shower unit as our balance
and mobility may change in time. Upgrade the bathroom for a floor level shower unit. It can be helpful to consider a bigger shower cubicle that can accommodate bath chairs and other mobility aids.

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To minimise fall risks install handrails in the shower for support. Installing shelves inside the shower can also minimise the need for bending or reaching for soap and shampoo.

Older bathrooms may have glass screens or features that no longer meet current Australian building and safety codes. This can be a good incentive to invest in a bathroom upgrade.

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Placing a specifically designed non-slip mat in the bottom of shower and bath units can help to minimise fall risks.

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Specifically designed fixed wall or ceiling heat lamps are a much safer option than portable bar or oil heaters, which are not designed for wet areas.

As with all electrical items in your house it is important you have a bathroom heater that is regularly checked by a qualified electrician to ensure it is still safe.

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As we age our mobility and balance may be affected and a simple task like using the toilet can become challenging. There are many products available including special toilet seats and higher pedestals that make this task easier. An occupational therapist can recommend modifications to support access.

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Handrails may minimise the risk of falls. All handrails should be installed by a qualified professional and overseen by an occupational therapist. These services can be accessed through the government aged care portal, My Aged Care.

Cleaning products and chemicals, such as toilet tablets and air fresheners may become a poison risk. Changing these products to safer options and secure storage is advisable.

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If you have older tiles or a slippery floor in your bathroom consider upgrading for a more appropriate non-slip tile. There are also paint on products for existing flooring.

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Having mats around wet areas can help minimise risk of wet area slips. Ensure they are heavy enough not to curl and have a non-slip rubber backing.

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If you have water on your bathroom floor have a mop and bucket close at hand to clean these wet areas swiftly to prevent slip risks.

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The height is important and should ensure you can easily get in and out of your bed safely. The firmness also needs to be considered as our joints and spine may become more sensitive as we get older.

There are a variety of mobility aids available to help support your safety in bed. These include side rails, adjustable beds and pressure pads. Such aids should be installed under the guidance of an occupational therapist.

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Position your bed so you have easy access from both sides and the foot of the bed. As we age we may develop mobility issues that require more room to negotiate around the bed.

Check you can easily and safely access the contents of drawers and cupboards. As we age we often sit to access drawers and storage so it’s important to consider your daily activities whilst using a chair.

Our strength and balance can change as we get older. Ensure the height and weight of shelves and drawers are easy to open and access. Consider installing easy open drawers to minimise risk of strains.

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The stability and design of the drawers is important. Make sure furniture is stable and can support your weight. Secure units to the wall if toppling is a risk and consider drawers that cannot easily slide out past the frame.

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The bedside tables with traditional lamps can become cluttered. Light bulbs can become hot and lamps can be easily knocked over or pulled from the sockets. Installing cold bulb (LED) lamps fixed to the wall is a safer option.

Night lights can keep room perimeters well lit. An overhead light can also be left on with a dimmer switch to improve visibility.

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Having a sensor light that comes on when movement is triggered can alert others in the house to someone waking. It can also provide strong lighting to help with visibility.

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Many people light candles in the bedroom for prayer. Candles pose an extremely high fire risk, especially if left unattended. Consider replacing traditional candles with LED versions as a much safer option.

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To minimize trip hazards ensure you have appropriate storage for all your bedroom items, such as bookshelves, bedside tables, and space for shoes under a chair or in a cupboard.

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Remove any unnecessary decorative items from the high traffic areas in your room, especially the path to the bed, the door and the toilet.

Although it is harder for our body to regulate temperature as we age, the use of an electric blanket exposes us to the risk of fire and potential electric shock.

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Each year there are many reported accidents caused by the use of hot water bottles and heat packs. Wearing warmer clothing and adding blankets are safer ways to keep warm once in bed.

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Air conditioning units can regulate the bedroom temperature. This safer option can be programmed, thereby ensuring a comfortable room temperature throughout the night.

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The risk of accidental overdose or incorrect timing can be reduced by storing medications in organised pill boxes. You can also ask your pharmacist to create blister packs with the specific dose, day and time in each individual pack.

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There are several products on the market that function as a clock and an alarm. These have added functions such as a timed pill dispenser that can allow access to a medication once the alarm sounds.

Consider removing rugs from the bedroom. If softer floor finishes are required consider having a plain carpet installed across the whole room.

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In conditions such as Dementia night wandering can be a problem. If you want to know when a loved one has become active installing a sensor mat beside the bed can trigger an alarm to alert that someone is getting out of bed. These can be placed anywhere, such as doors leading to stairwells, or outside.

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Any floor covering needs to have a rubber backing to prevent movement. The backing and floor cover needs to be heavy enough to prevent the corners turning up and causing a trip hazard.

Patterns and contrasting colours can become a problem as we age. For some people dark rugs can look like a hole in the floor or something to step over. Rug patterns may also look like flecks or objects to be picked up, raising the risk of a fall.

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Remove any obstacles and trip hazards, such as flowerpots, uneven pavers, long grass or raised garden edging. Think about this route in both dry and wet conditions.

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Consider moving your letterbox to a more accessible position; just keep in mind the requirements of the postal service.

Fitting a handrail between your front door and your mailbox can help mobility.

If you have to move bins through tight spaces, down steps or slopes think about an alternate route that avoids these hazards.

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Although many councils do not let you keep your bins on the roadside permanently, moving bins closer to the collection point may be helpful.

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Move your wheelie bin before it gets full. It is also useful to empty household rubbish bins more frequently so that you are carrying lighter bags.

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Ask family, friends or a neighbour to help put your bins out. Aged care providers also have in-home assistance that can support such tasks.

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To minimise bending and kneeling create raised garden beds.

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Heavy pots are difficult to move, and can become a trip hazard. Placing them on planter stands can assist you to move them more easily.

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Whilst trees provide shade, you need to consider the trip hazards of surface roots. Regular checks by a qualified arborist can address any tree safety concerns.

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Fallen leaves and fruit can be slippery on pathways. Regular garden maintenance and pruning can minimise slip and fall hazards.

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To reduce the need to carry a heavy watering can, ensure hosepipes are long enough to reach all areas in the garden. A retractable hose can be a safer option as it reduces trip hazards.

It may be necessary to ask for support in maintaining your garden either from family members or a professional gardening service.

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If you have a garage or carport, think about how clear this area is. To avoid trip hazards remove or safely store all items away from your route to and from the house.

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It is important that the parking space allows the car doors to fully 
open. Park on even ground to avoid the door self-closing under weight.

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Install solar lights along general pathways and high use areas. Use sensor lights to illuminate key areas such as the driveway, parking area, and the pathway between the parking area and the house.

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As an access point to your house and back yard it is important that you keep the gate locked. Key based padlocks are a good option as a family member or neighbour can hold a second key, or a spare key can be kept in a key safe near the front door.

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Installing a sensor light near a side gate can be a good security measure and helps with visibility.

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As with all outside areas, remove any trip and slip hazards. Pay particular attention to this area if frequently used to access back yard facilities such as the garden shed, wheelie bins or car parking.

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Clear any trip hazards away from all your doors. Installing a handrail can help especially if you have stairs. Having a chair or outside small table to place bags or parcels on when unlocking the door can be helpful.

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It is very important to have good lighting in this area. There are many options available including sensor lighting that is triggered as someone approaches.

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Make a plan for emergency access by ensuring a trusted friend, family member or neighbour holds a second key. You can also have a key safe fitted where a spare key can be kept in a combination locked box near the front door.

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Ensure you have a clear path to your front door. Store only necessary items in appropriate places such as closed in cupboards, racks and boxes. Place furniture against the wall and simplify decorative elements in this area.

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Rails or hooks can be a good option for storing umbrellas, walking sticks and other items. Ensure that these are not at head height or easily bumped into.

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Any floor covering needs to have rubber backing to prevent movement and be heavy enough to prevent the corners turning up and causing a trip hazard.

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Patterns and contrasting colours can become a problem as we age. For some people dark rugs can look like a hole in the floor or something to step over. Rug patterns may also look like flecks or objects to be picked up, increasing the risk of a fall.

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To minimise trip hazards and fall risks ensure the stairs are free from all obstructions.

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Having a strong handrail or banister is very important to ensure support whilst using the stairs. You may need to install a handrail on both sides.

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Check for wear or damage to the stairs including the carpet, as this is a trip hazard. Repair any wobbly or unstable stair treads.

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Applying non-slip, coloured tape to the edge of each stair can help visibility and safety.

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Some stair risers are open. Building in open staircases can help prevent serious injury from a slip or fall.

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These can be fitted to many different types of stairways and allow you to continue to access all areas of your home as you age.

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A multi-way switch allows you to turn on and off a light at different locations. For example from the bottom and the top of the stairs or from both ends of the hallway.

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If you have a health condition that affects your memory, light switches can become confusing. Installing sensor lighting can support clear visibility every time you enter an area or climb the stairs.

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Increase visibility with skirting board lighting or night lights to define the edges of walls and increase visibility on stairs.

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A lockable screen allows the door to be open yet still have security when you are home. You can also talk with unfamiliar visitors without opening the door.

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Health conditions such as Dementia, can lead to confusion or wandering so consider a locking system that makes leaving the home more difficult, yet maintains safe access. Deadbolts, chain locks and slide bolts can be used in combination. Alarms can be fitted to alert that someone is leaving the house.

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Make a plan for emergency access by ensuring a trusted friend, family member or neighbour holds a second key. You can also have a key safe fitted where a spare key can be kept near the front door.

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An intercom system allows you to speak with the person at the door before you open it. If you have mobility issues some systems can unlock the door remotely and allow the person to enter at your control.

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Affordable closed circuit television (CCTV) or similar video surveillance systems are available and can help improve security.

Place items within easy reach. Consider weight and frequency of use. Handles may also need to be changed for easier grip.

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To make accessing cupboard contents easier install pull out drawers or storage organisers. Cupboard lighting can also help make finding items easier.

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If a person has a health condition that impairs their cognitive ability, contents of drawers and cupboards may become a danger including scissors, matches and breakables. Safety latches will protect both the person and their valuables.

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Ensure you know what food is in your cupboards and when these items expire by looking at the ‘best before’ and ‘use by’ dates.

As we age we can become more forgetful. Installing safety knobs and automatic cut off switches can prevent stoves being accidentally left on.

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Consider changing to an electric stove as gas can be left on without any sign of danger. It is also harder to install an automatic cut off switch to a gas stove.

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Consider your mobility and physical health as you age. Adjust the height of your stove to make it easier to access. Choose smaller pots for safe lifting and remember to face pot handles away from stove front to minimise bumping or spilling.

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Choose a stove that is easy to clean as spilled food and oil build up can become a fire hazard.

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Although knife blocks and utensil holders are convenient, it may be safer to place such items in an appropriate drawer with a safety lock. This is advisable if your perception and cognition makes using these items unsupervised, dangerous.

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If you have difficulty with your hand strength there are a variety of cooking utensils and tools, from electric can openers to easy grip knives, designed to make life easier in the kitchen.

Have your appliances checked for faults, including the leads and power outlet points. Keep items clean to minimise fire and pest risks. Earth leakage circuit breakers can be installed and will automatically switch off the power supply if there is a fault.

Most modern kettle and pop-up toasters have an automatic cut off switch in case they are left unattended. Check your appliances and consider updating or installing an automatic cut off switch.

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Long power cords can become a hazard, especially in high use areas such as the kitchen. Coiled or retractable cords are more contained. It is recommended appliances are used and housed near power points.

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Appliances in the kitchen are at risk of coming into contact with water. Unplugging appliances will minimise this risk and potentially reduce electricity bills.

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To ensure your food is being stored at an appropriate temperature, make sure the seals on your fridge and freezer are in good condition, and check that the temperature settings are correct. These actions will also ensure efficient power usage.

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Regularly review the contents of your fridge and freezer for ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates. Label leftovers and containers with the contents and the date packed. Rotating food with the oldest at the front of the shelf may assist in food management. For people with cognitive and perception issues, clear containers that show the contents are better.

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Arrange your refrigerator and freezer to support easy access to the most frequently used items. This will save bending unnecessarily. Changing from a chest freezer to an upright refrigerator/freezer can also help.

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Install and maintain smoke alarms in the kitchen and throughout the house. If you have difficulty reaching the ceiling ask family, friends or a service provider to regularly check your batteries.

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Having these fire safety tools easily accessible is important in the kitchen. Again you will need to regularly check these items are in working order.

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Having a first aid kit easily accessible in the kitchen is important as cuts and accidents mainly occur in this area. Kits need to be regularly checked as medical supplies have a ‘use by’ date.

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A shallower sink can be easier to reach. Installing a lever or mixer tap, a pull out sprayer, or a side mounted tap system can reduce the need for over reaching. The sink and counter tops need to be the right height for comfortable use.

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For people with a health condition such as Dementia, accidents may be caused by placing objects or hands in the food waste disposal unit. Disconnect these units for safety. In addition, inserting a drain trap can also ensure objects are not lost down the plughole.

Reduce the risk of scalding by setting the thermostat on your hot water system. Some house plumbing systems allow you to manage exact water temperature out of the tap through a temperature controller.

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To help minimise poison risks, remove household cleaning products, flammable liquids and other chemicals from under the sink to a less accessible storage area. Consider using products with less hazardous ingredients such as biodegradable options.

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If you have a wobbly chair back or a loose table leg have these repaired. As we age our balance can change and we often use furniture as support. Furniture needs to be strong enough to handle our weight.

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Tables and chairs need to be sturdy and of an appropriate size, allowing for easy access. Beware of glass tops as these may be dangerous in the case of a fall. It is preferable that furniture edges are curved with no sharp corners.

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Furniture should be soft and comfortable. Seating needs to be an appropriate height and depth, with sturdy arm rests. Good back support should be considered. You need to be able to get in and out of your furniture with ease.

Chairs need to be easy to clean especially as continence issues may develop as we age. Solid colours that contrast to the floor can help those with vision and perception difficulties.

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Keep the living room clear and uncluttered for movement especially with mobility supports such as mobility walkers. Face chairs to encourage social interaction or looking outside, rather than facing the television.

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Coffee tables or low-lying stools can become a trip risk. This includes anything at shin height that we may not see.

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Replace open fireplaces and bar radiators for column oil heaters or wall mounted electric heaters. Make sure fans meet current Australian safety standards. Wall and ceiling mounted fans pose less of a trip hazard.

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Installing timer switches on heaters and fans can be a good backup if you are prone to forgetting you have turned a device on.

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Place freestanding heaters and fans in a position where the cord is not a trip hazard, for example against a wall. Alternatively cover the cords with high visibility covers or tape.

Maintaining heating and cooling devices is important. Have a certified electrician regularly check over all electrical appliances.

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Although they can use more electricity, installing a reverse cycle air conditioner can ensure you have an all-in-one heating and cooling device that is safe and easy to control. Air conditioners can be set to maintain a steady moderate temperature.

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Falls are more likely when rushing for the phone. Place the phone on a sturdy table in an easily accessible location. A walk about phone can also be useful, unless memory is a concern.

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Large font phones can be helpful for those with visibility issues. Larger handsets can also be easier to use.

Programing commonly used numbers makes dialling friends and family easier. If memory or vision is impaired these numbers can be colour coded. Having a list of names and speed dial numbers on the wall by the phone can be useful.

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One of the main safety concerns is having easy access to emergency services. As we age accessing the phone may not be viable especially if you have a fall or are severely unwell. Personal alarm devices can be worn to call for medical assistance at the push of a button.

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This legal document allows you to nominate a representative to act on your behalf in the event that you are no longer able, due to ill health. They may handle legal, medical and financial matters on your behalf.

This legal document allows the person you nominate to make decisions regarding your health and medical treatment in the event you are no longer able to enact these decisions yourself.

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A Will or Testament is a legal document that outlines your wishes regarding how your property and assets will be distributed on the event of your death.

Someone you trust or a legal representative needs to be able to access the important documents required for support services and health care. These may include birth certificate, pension number, drivers licence, marriage or divorce papers, insurance information, Medicare number, financial or banking details and property deeds. Discuss this with your legal representative to ensure this is well managed.

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Bold or patterned fabric can cause confusion for some people with health conditions, such as Dementia.

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Natural light has been shown to have health benefits as we age, especially if you are increasingly indoors.

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For some people with health conditions such as Dementia, shadows and low lighting can increase confusion and anxiety. Blockout blinds and curtains can minimise the impact of this.

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Security screens or similar window systems can allow you to have your windows open while maintaining your safety.