Think about whether your house still meets your needs, or whether there are any changes that will make life easier. Areas to consider include security and safety, repairs and improvements, support in the home and help with money.

Security and safety

An important part of being happy in your own home is to be free of worries about security and safety. If you are concerned about home security contact your local police station and ask for a visit from the crime prevention officer. They will be able to give you expert personal advice on making your home more secure. Your crime prevention officer can also tell you if there is a Neighbourhood Watch scheme in your area; if there is you may want to join.

Getting help in an emergency is also important. If you worry about having an accident or falling ill while you are alone at home, you might want to think about getting a community alarm.

These alarms allow you to call for help even if you can't get to a phone; you contact a 24-hour response centre by pressing a button on a pendant or wristband that you wear all the time. Staff at the centre will then call out the best person to help you - perhaps a neighbour, relative or friend or the emergency services.

Many local authorities run their own community alarm schemes; contact the housing department of your local council for information. Help the Aged runs its own immediate telephone response service (like a community alarm scheme) called SeniorLink (or CareLine in Northern Ireland). You can buy or rent a SeniorLink unit, or Help the Aged may be able to supply you with one if you are on a low income. For more information, contact SeniorLink.

Help the Aged produces three free advice leaflets that give more detailed information on safety and security: 'Your Security', 'Your Safety' and 'Fire'.

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