Sensory Support

Changes in sight or hearing can affect how safely you move around. Good lighting, regular eye tests and simple equipment can all help.

This page shares practical advice to support your vision and hearing, helping you reduce the risk of falls and feel more aware of your surroundings at home.

Improve Lighting in and Between Rooms

• Make sure every area of your home is well-lit, especially stairs, hallways and entrances.
• Use bright, energy-efficient bulbs. Fluorescent or LED bulbs are cost-effective and provide strong, even light.
• Try to keep lighting levels similar in each room to avoid sudden changes in brightness.
• Use lamps or wall lights in corners and darker areas.
• Reduce glare from windows or shiny floors by using blinds or light curtains.

Make Night-time Safer

• Plug-in night lights can help you safely get to the bathroom or hallway in the dark.
• A dusk-to-dawn night light automatically switches on when it gets dark — no need to remember it each night.
• Avoid walking in the dark — turn on a light before moving from one room to another.

Look After Your Eyesight

• Have your eyes tested at least once every two years — more often if advised by your optician.
• Your prescription can change over time, and it’s important that your glasses match your current needs.
• Be careful with bifocals and varifocals, especially on steps, stairs and uneven surfaces.
• If you can’t leave home, ask your optician about a home visit.

For more information, visit the Vision section in our advice library.

Support Your Hearing

• If you're struggling to hear clearly, book a hearing test or speak to your GP.
• Poor hearing can affect balance, increase confusion, and make it harder to notice hazards.
• If you use a hearing aid, make sure it's clean, working properly, and worn during the day.
• Don’t ignore signs like ringing, muffled sounds, or difficulty following conversations — help is available.

For more information, visit the RNID Hearing Tests and Support.

Calling for Assistance

If you're concerned about hearing an alarm, doorbell or phone, specialist equipment is available — such as flashing alarms or vibrating alerts. Personal alarms worn on your wrist or neck can also provide peace of mind.

Find Support

Please find below useful links, relevant resources and contact information. All links open in a new window and may include links to websites, videos, and PDF files for downloading and printing. 

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Handyperson Service

Handypersons Service is a discounted handyperson service available (subject to eligibility) to help with small DIY jobs around your home.
Contact: 0191 5205552 (this line is open 7 days a week from 8.30am – 5.00pm 

Optician and Audiology service

Please visit the Vision, Hearing and Sensory Support section for more information. 

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Helpful Links 

Avoiding falls out and about - RoSPA and BRC (video)

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More on this website

Visit our Information and Advice section
Visit our Staying Active section
Visit our Home Safety section
Visit our Help and Contacts section 
Start your online Self-Assessment

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More on this website

Visit our Information and Advice section
Visit our Staying Active section
Visit our Home Safety section
Visit our Help and Contacts section 
Start your online Self-Assessment

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