Help for people with dementia to prevent accidents at home

People living with dementia can now get advice on how to reduce the chance of having an accident at home. Understanding the risks can help them stay independent, and live well and safely with dementia in their own home for as long as possible.

Free home safety check

People with dementia, and anyone aged over 65, are can get free home safety checks provided by home safety officers from local councils.

The checks only take around 60 minutes and offer tips on all aspects of home safety.

A room-by-room inspection will identify potential risks, and advice will be given to families of people living with dementia to make their home safer. Heating and home energy efficiency advice can also be given.

Free home safety equipment can be provided and referrals can be made for free smoke alarms and expert fire advice from Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service.

As dementia progresses, householders can also get a home assessment from occupational therapists working in Health and Social Care Trusts to make sure all practical support is provided.

This can include adaptations in the home (for example, alarms, sensors or support rails) and aids such as mobility aids and tracking devices.

For more information on how to get a home safety check, contact your local council.

Explain the hazards

Families and carers of those living with dementia can also help by explaining clearly all the hazards within the home and making sure the person with dementia is involved in all discussions.

Simple tips can help in some way to reassure those living with dementia, such as:

  • writing notes about turning off electrical and gas appliances  
  • having emergency phone numbers in large print beside the telephone 

All potential risks within the home should be highlighted.

More useful links



Adverse weather – flood risk

Date published: 28 July 2018

A multi-agency teleconference, chaired by local government, has been held to co-ordinate the response from departments, councils and utilities to the current difficult weather conditions.

All agencies have been in a state of readiness since yesterday and are responding to numerous calls from across Northern Ireland.

The rain is expected to lessen from 7pm onwards however all agencies will continue to monitor the situation and take action accordingly.

The public are asked to take necessary precautions when travelling as there may be disruption on roads.

Advice and emergency numbers are available on https://www.nidirect.gov.uk/rain

Notes to editors

Media enquiries to relevant agencies or duty press officer via pager 07623974383

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Hosepipe ban lifted but keep saving water

Date published: 19 July 2018

There is no longer a hosepipe ban across Northern Ireland but you should still continue to save water to ease demand. This will help avoid the prospect of a ban having to be reintroduced.

Water saving tips

To help save water:

  • take shorter showers
  • take a shower instead of a bath
  • turn off the tap when brushing your teeth
  • avoid watering lawns wherever possible – even when they look dry and brown, they’ll spring back with the first heavy rain
  • make sure your washing machine is full – don’t put on a half load
  • turn off the tap while washing your hands or shaving
  • fix leaking taps  
  • keep a jug of water in the fridge so there’s no need to run the water until it gets cold
  • use a bowl for washing vegetables  
  • fill the kettle with only as much water as you need

If you experience water problems

If you experience water problems in your area, check the NI Water website and use the postcode search facility.

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Hosepipe ban

Date published: 29 June 2018

A hosepipe ban is in place across Northern Ireland. During the ban you should limit the use of tap water to the essentials, like drinking, cooking and washing.

Activities not allowed

During the hosepipe ban, you are not allowed to:

  • water a garden using a hosepipe
  • water outdoor plants on domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe
  • draw water using a hosepipe for domestic, recreational use
  • fill or maintain a domestic swimming or paddling pool using a hosepipe
  • fill or maintain a domestic pond using a hosepipe
  • clean a private leisure boat using a hosepipe
  • clean a private motor vehicle using a hosepipe
  • clean walls or windows of domestic premises using a hosepipe
  • clean paths or patios of domestic or other non-commercial premises using a hosepipe

Water saving tips

To help save water:

  • take shorter showers
  • take a shower instead of a bath
  • turn off the tap when brushing your teeth
  • avoid watering lawns – even when they look dry and brown, they’ll spring back with the first heavy rain
  • make sure your washing machine is full – don’t put on a half load
  • turn off the tap while washing your hands or shaving
  • fix leaking taps  
  • keep a jug of water in the fridge so there’s no need to run the water until it gets cold
  • use a bowl for washing vegetables  
  • fill the kettle with only as much water as you need

If you experience water problems

If you experience water problems in your area, check the NI Water website and use the postcode search facility.

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Appeal to use less water

Date published: 29 June 2018

As the dry spell continues, the public is being asked to stop non-essential water use, including hoses and sprinklers.

Non-essential use

NI Water has warned that continuing to use water for non-essential purposes will likely result in supply interruption in many areas.

It’s expected a formal hose pipe ban will be introduced this weekend which will mean you can’t water private gardens or cars.

Water saving tips

To help save water:

  • take shorter showers
  • take a shower instead of a bath
  • don’t wash cars or vans
  • turn off the tap when brushing your teeth
  • avoid watering lawns – even when they look dry and brown, they’ll spring back with the first heavy rain
  • make sure your washing machine is full – don’t put on a half load
  • turn off the tap while washing your hands or shaving
  • fix leaking taps  
  • keep a jug of water in the fridge so there’s no need to run the water until it gets cold
  • use a bowl for washing vegetables  
  • fill the kettle with only as much water as you need

If you experience water problems

If you experience water problems in your area, check the NI Water website and use the postcode search facility.

Share this page

Feedback

Would you like to leave feedback about this page? Send us your feedback