For the professional
Use this sheet when an injury, pain, reduced mobility or difficulty with balance affects a patient’s everyday activities.
Begin by identifying the activities that the patient finds difficult or unsafe.
Use the questions to explore mobility concerns, the home environment, daily responsibilities and available family or community support.
Consider whether the reported difficulties require a separate clinical assessment, rehabilitation referral or other professional input.
This conversation sheet is not a formal fall-risk or mobility-assessment instrument.
Adapt the discussion to the patient’s age, condition, living environment and individual circumstances.
Everyday safety conversation sheet
Making everyday activities safer and easier to manage
An injury, pain, reduced mobility or difficulty with balance can make daily activities more challenging.
Use these questions to discuss the difficulties you are experiencing and the support you may need.
Not every question will apply to you. Focus on the activities and concerns that matter most.
1. Movement and balance
- Do I feel steady when standing or walking?
- Have I fallen, slipped or nearly fallen recently?
- Do I experience dizziness, weakness or difficulty with balance?
- Is it difficult to get out of bed, rise from a chair or use stairs?
- Do I need help moving around my home?
- Would a walking aid or mobility assessment be appropriate for me?
2. Safety in my home
- Are there loose rugs, objects or electrical cables that make walking difficult?
- Are the areas I use regularly well lit?
- Can I reach essential items without climbing or stretching?
- Is it difficult to use the bathroom safely?
- Do I have difficulty using stairs or moving between rooms?
- Would changes to my home make daily activities safer?
Practical changes may include clearing walking paths, improving lighting or making frequently used items easier to reach.
Ask for professional advice about mobility aids and other safety equipment when needed.
3. Everyday activities
- Do I have difficulty bathing, dressing or using the toilet?
- Can I prepare meals and manage important household activities?
- Are pain or movement restrictions affecting my daily routine?
- Are there activities I should avoid until I have been reassessed?
- Do I need adjustments at school, work or in my community?
- What can I do if I do not have someone available to help me?
4. Health concerns that may affect safety
- Could any of my medicines be making me dizzy or sleepy?
- Have I noticed changes in my eyesight or hearing?
- Could pain, weakness or tiredness be affecting my balance?
- Do I need an assessment of my risk of falling?
- Would an assessment of my bone health be appropriate?
- Do I need advice about suitable strength, balance or rehabilitation exercises?
Ask a healthcare professional or pharmacist about medicine-related concerns.
Do not stop or change prescribed medicines without appropriate advice.
If you are recovering from an injury, ask your treating team which exercises and activities are safe for you.
5. Planning support and next steps
- What is the most important safety concern to address first?
- Are there changes I can make at home?
- Would I benefit from a mobility aid, rehabilitation or another assessment?
- Who can help me with essential activities?
- When should my mobility and safety be reviewed?
- Whom should I contact if my condition changes?
Seek medical assessment for new or worsening difficulties with mobility, balance or daily activities.
Sudden weakness, new inability to walk, loss of consciousness or other serious symptoms require urgent or emergency assessment.
Before you leave
Make sure you understand:
- Which activities currently present a difficulty or safety concern.
- What changes or support may be helpful.
- Whether you need a further assessment or referral.
- Who can help you carry out the agreed plan.
- When to seek medical advice if your condition changes.