Looking after yourself

If you are concerned about using the bathroom on your own in case you slip, trip or fall, we have some handy tips for preparing your bathroom. You can also look at what equipment is available to help you in the bathroom.

If you find it difficult to get dressed, we have some top tips for you.

Think about the type of fabric you wear:

• Clothes made from knitted or 'jersey' fabrics are often easier to manage than stiffer, woven fabrics.
• Smooth, slippery fabrics, such as silk, are usually easier to get on and off, as they glide easily over your skin or other layers of clothing.

Consider how your clothes fasten:

• Avoid clothes with buttons or zips where possible - look for loose fitting stretchy clothing without fasteners.
• Trousers or skirts with an elasticated waistband are often easier to manage than something with fasteners.
• An item of clothing that fastens at the front will be easier to undo than one that fastens at the back or side.
• Make zips easier to grip and fasten by adding extended tabs or loops.
• Avoid open ended zips as they can be difficult to align and fasten if you have pain or stiffness in your fingers.
• Velcro or magnetic fasteners are usually easier to manage than buttons or zips.

Here are some ways you can get help:

Family and friends

It might be worth talking to family or close friends about your needs. They may be happy to give you a hand with dressing or, perhaps you might just want them to be in the house while you are washing in case you slip and fall.

Home care

Having a paid carer visit you at home to help you with your personal care tasks can make a big difference to your life. This type of care is often referred to as ‘homecare’ or ‘domiciliary care’.

This can be provided by a home care agency, or you can hire your own carer.

Find out about home care

A good shoe should support and protect your foot. It should also allow natural movement while walking. Poor-fitting shoes can cause foot problems, such as corns, calluses, bunions and ingrown toenails.

When choosing shoes, look for:

• an upper made of leather or breathable natural or synthetic materials with seam-free linings
• a deep and roomy toe-box at the front of the shoe to prevent pressure on the toes and joints on the side of the foot
• a cushioned and flexible, light rubber sole with good grip
• a heel no more than 3 centimetres (one-and-a-half inches) high and broad enough to provide stability
• laces, buckles or Velcro strap fastenings that hold the shoe comfortably and securely on the foot and support your ankles.

Avoid:

• slip-on shoes
• shoes that are too big or small, or with squashed backs
• smooth leather or plastic soles, and thick rubber soles that extend over the toe
• lace up shoes that are untied or without laces
• high heeled or backless shoes.

Tips to keep your feet in good condition

Good foot care doesn’t need to be labour intensive. Here are our tips:

• keep your feet clean and dry - especially between your toes.
• check your feet regularly for cuts, sores, redness, swelling or bruising. Get to know your feet well so you know what is normal.
• trim your toenails regularly.
• if your skin is dry, use a foot cream and/or heel balm to prevent it from cracking and improve its texture.
• use a foot file or pumice stone to remove any hard skin.

Support with foot care

If you need advice or support with your foot care, here are some places you can go for help:

Your pharmacist

If you are unsure how to care for your feet yourself, your pharmacist can recommend creams and equipment for you to use.

Podiatrist

If you experience any problems with your feet, such as cuts, sores or fluid and/or blood leaking contact a registered podiatrist (or chiropodist).

Podiatrists are care healthcare professionals who have been trained to provide preventative care, diagnosis and treatment of a range of problems affecting the legs, ankles and feet.

Learn more about podiatrists on the NHS website.

Find podiatrists and chiropodists services on the NHS website.

Your GP

You can also talk to your GP if you have a health condition that affects your feet, such as diabetes, poor circulation or a low immune system. They can check your feet regularly and advise on the best course of action.

• Take care when moving from light to dark, or the other way round. Reduced vision can lead to falls. Give your eyes time to adjust.

• Get your eyes checked regularly, as opticians can pick up a range of health conditions as well as look after your sight. If you are aged 60 or under, your eyes should be checked every 2 years. People aged over 70 should have an eye test every year.

• Ask your optician for advice if you find that you sometimes trip when you are walking outside. They may recommend a separate pair of glasses to wear while you are outdoors.

• Make sure you wear your glasses if you need them for general vision - don’t keep them in your bag or pocket.

• Keep your glasses clean.

• If your glasses are broken, or do not fit well, make sure you consult your optician.

If you have any concerns with your eyes, make sure you visit your optician.

Opticians are highly-trained specialists who can recognise, treat, and write prescriptions to help manage most common eye conditions and anomalies.

You can find an optician on the NHS website.