Transform Your Life with ATAXIA

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Ataxia increases the risk of falls, trips, and injury due to problems with balance, coordination, vision, and fatigue.
Assessing the home environment helps identify risks and make simple changes that improve safety, confidence, and independence.

Home safety assessments are about prevention, not restriction.

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A safe home environment:

• Reduces risk of falls and injury
   
• Supports independent movement
   
• Improves confidence and peace of mind
   
• Helps people stay at home for longer
   
• Reduces fear of everyday activities
   

Many hazards are easy to fix once identified.

Risks may include:

• Cluttered walkways
   
• Loose rugs or trailing cables
   
• Poor lighting
   
• Slippery bathroom or kitchen floors
   
• Stairs without handrails
   
• Furniture that is unstable or too low
   
• Items stored out of easy reach
   

These risks increase when fatigue is present.

A home safety assessment is often carried out by:

• Occupational Therapists (OTs)
   
• Community health or social care teams
   
• Falls-prevention services
   

They assess how a person moves through their home, not just the layout.

Following an assessment, recommendations may include:

• Removing loose rugs and clutter
   
• Improving lighting in halls, stairs, and bathrooms
   
• Installing grab rails or handrails
   
• Using non-slip mats
   
• Rearranging furniture for clear pathways
   
• Raising or stabilising chairs and beds
   
• Storing frequently used items at waist height
   

Small changes can have a big impact.

High-risk areas often need extra support:

• Grab rails near toilets, showers, and baths
   
• Shower chairs or bath seats
   
• Non-slip flooring or mats
   
• Easy-grip taps and utensils
   
• Seating for food preparation
   

These areas benefit greatly from assessment.

A safer home:

• Encourages movement rather than avoidance
   
• Reduces fear of falling
   
• Supports confidence in daily tasks
   
• Helps people remain active
   

Safety adaptations support independence, not limit it.

Ataxia symptoms may change, so:

• Home safety should be reviewed regularly
   
• Adaptations may need updating
   
• New risks should be addressed early
   

Ongoing review prevents accidents before they happen.

Assessing the home environment for safety is a key part of living well with ataxia.
With professional assessment and practical adaptations, homes can be made safer, more accessible, and more supportive of independence.

Early assessment reduces risk and protects confidence.