Summer is a time to enjoy being outside. From gardening and hanging out the washing to relaxing on the deck or heading down the path to the letterbox, our outdoor areas are part of everyday life. They can also be one of the most common places for slips and trips if they are not set up with safety in mind.
As part of our new Stay Safe at Home series, we are starting outdoors. With a few simple changes, you can make your outdoor spaces safer while still enjoying everything summer brings.
Paths, Decks, and Entryways
Clear, well maintained paths make a big difference to safety outdoors. Uneven paving, slippery decking, or clutter around entryways can increase the risk of losing balance.
Helpful steps include keeping paths clear of hoses, pots, and tools, checking decks for moss or algae, and making sure outdoor lighting is bright enough to see where you are stepping, especially in the evenings.
Where there are steps or changes in height, adding a handrail can provide extra support and confidence. For some homes, installing a ramp at the entrance can make access easier and safer by reducing the need to step up or down. Allied Medical supplies a range of ramps designed to support safer access into and out of the home, while helping people move more confidently between indoor and outdoor spaces.
Safer Gardening This Summer
Gardening is a great way to stay active and enjoy the outdoors, while also getting regular doses of vitamin D. To keep gardening enjoyable and safe, it is important to pace yourself and avoid unnecessary strain. Tasks that involve repeated bending, lifting, or reaching can increase the chance of a fall, particularly if you are feeling tired or unsteady.
Avoid heavy lifting where possible by breaking loads into shorter, lighter trips. Using long-handled and lightweight gardening tools can help reduce the need to bend over for long periods, while taking regular rest breaks can prevent fatigue from building up. Having a stable garden seat or stool nearby can also make tasks more comfortable and controlled.
Make sure tools and step ladders are well-maintained before use. When dealing with stubborn weeds, try alternative methods rather than pulling hard, as sudden force can easily affect balance. Take your time when bending down or standing back up, and steady yourself using nearby supports if needed.
For people who feel less confident on uneven ground, a walking aid can provide extra balance and support while moving around the garden. Asking for help with heavier or more demanding tasks is a practical way to stay safe and continue enjoying time outdoors.
Getting Around Outdoors with Confidence
Summer often means more movement around the property or out into the community. Wearing supportive footwear with non slip soles can help improve stability on grass, paths, and driveways.
If longer distances are becoming tiring or difficult to manage, a mobility scooter or standard powerchair can be a practical option for outdoor use. It allows you to stay independent and connected while reducing fatigue and fall risk, particularly on uneven or longer routes. Keeping a mobile phone close by when you are outside is also a simple way to add peace of mind.
Planning for Peace of Mind
Even with good preparation, accidents can still happen. Letting someone know you are outside, keeping a phone within reach, or using a personal alarm can help ensure support is available if you need it.
Planning ahead is not about limiting what you do, it is about making sure you can continue enjoying your outdoor spaces safely and comfortably.
Small Changes That Support Independence
Staying safe at home does not mean staying indoors. Small adjustments to outdoor areas, combined with the right supports, can make a meaningful difference to confidence and independence.
We believe safety and independence go hand in hand. Starting with your outdoor spaces is a great way to create a safer home environment this summer.
Next month in our Stay Safe at Home series, we will take a look inside and explore another key area of the home.