Independence in the home

We reveal our top tips to help you stay warm and comfortable during periods of cold weather.

Top tips to avoid becoming cold

Find out why we feel colder as we get older and why it’s important to keep warm, with guidance on how to maintain your body temperature.

Kitchen safety

7 min read

Everyday kitchen tasks can become much harder in later life. We identify a range of products to help, with guidance on easy ways to prepare your food.

Kitchen utensils

Make small adjustments to the kitchen cupboard and to everyday kitchen utensils, you’ll be able to safely continue cooking and eating what you enjoy.

Kitchen appliances

Making a few small adjustments to your kitchen appliances to ensure they suit your needs can make a big difference to your confidence in the kitchen.

Bathroom safety

If you’re finding the bathroom hard to navigate, there are many products and adaptations you can make so it’s safer and easier to use.

Bath seats, boards and mats

6 min read

Are you finding bathing or showering more of a challenge? You may find additional support useful, such as a bath board, step, bench, seat or a mat.

Additional bathing aids

2 min read

From bath cushions to body dryers, we outline simple bath aids that can help make washing easier for those with mobility difficulties.

Bath lifts and hoists

If getting into and out of the bath is challenging, a bath lift or hoist could help. Find out what’s available and what to consider before buying.

Safety around the home

8 min read

Use our checklists as a starting point to think about the basic safety aspects of your home – such as lighting, heating, power sockets and furniture.

Bedroom safety

Find out about useful equipment to help you get into and out of bed, such as bed risers, bed rails and leg lifts, plus tips on checking bed height.

Dressing tips for people with special requirements

2 min read

How to make dressing easier when you’re caring for someone, with dressing tips for partially sighted people and those living with dementia.

Stair safety

Read our guidance on avoiding common hazards on stairs and stairways, as well as tips on how to reduce the risk of falls on the stairs.

Teeth, hair and nail care

Daily routines, such as brushing hair or teeth, can become tricky in later life. We show you how to make it easier, with tips on helping others wash their hair.

Choosing the right chair

We explain why it’s important to sit comfortably and be able to rise easily from a chair, especially as we get older and spend more time sitting down.

Checklist for sitting properly

Guidance on how to tell if you’re sitting correctly with your spine well supported, and how to deal with chairs that are too low, too high or too deep.

Keeping cool in warm weather

We look at how to keep cool during warm weather, and ways to reduce the risk of heat-related health problems, such as heat exhaustion and heatstroke.

Top tips to avoid becoming too warm

2 min read

It’s important for older people to keep cool in warm weather. From keeping hydrated to finding the right bedding, we explain how to stay cool at home.

Home security

From preparing your home for the risks of flood and fire, to ensuring doorbells, lighting and locks are safe, keep your home secure with our article.

Choosing and buying equipment

Obtaining independent living products can improve your safety and wellbeing, and also ensure you stay independent for longer.

Online retailers

Best online shops for independent living products, and specialist retailers for people living with Alzheimer’s, dementia, hearing loss, low vision and disabilities.

Returning goods and shopping online

6 min read

Learn about your consumer rights when buying equipment or services for a disability or health condition from a shop, online or at home.

Your consumer rights when you change your mind