Everyday home safety

Safer alternatives to reaching into high cupboards

The tea bags are on the top shelf. You know climbing onto a chair is unwise, but asking someone to move them can feel like surrendering independence. It is not. A well-arranged kitchen helps you remain independent.

Create an everyday-use zone

Place frequently used things between waist and shoulder height: cups, plates, tea, breakfast items and the saucepan used most often. Heavy objects should not be stored overhead.

Bring the cupboard contents forward

Deep shelves hide objects and encourage overreaching. Stable shallow trays, turntables or pull-out organisers can bring smaller items into view without creating another tipping hazard.

Use a reaching aid only for suitable objects

A lightweight reacher may help retrieve something light and unbreakable. Never use it for hot, heavy, sharp or fragile items. Stop if using it affects your balance.

Reserve high shelves for seldom-used items

Store only light seasonal objects there and have someone retrieve them when needed. Large, high-contrast labels make contents identifiable from below.

Avoid chairs and improvised steps

A dining chair, box or bucket is not safe climbing equipment. Even a proper step stool may be unsuitable with reduced balance, dizziness, weakness or vision changes. An occupational therapist can recommend safer arrangements for an individual home.

Ask for one permanent change

Rather than repeatedly asking someone to fetch an item, ask them to help reorganise the cupboard once. Photograph the finished shelves or add labels so items remain easy to find.

A five-minute cupboard check

• Can daily items be reached without stretching?
• Are heavy and breakable objects below shoulder height?
• Are shelves uncluttered and well lit?
• Could a pull-out tray or turntable reduce reaching?
• Who can help move the remaining items?