Good lighting alone does not reduce the risk of falls in older people with sight loss, according to a study commissioned by Thomas Pocklington Trust (2014).
Researchers found that flexibility and muscle movement are more important factors in ensuring sight loss stair safety.
Older people with sight loss cannot rely on lighting alone to ensure safety around stairs. The research suggests a combined approach to reducing the risks of falls by focusing on improving the fitness of older people through rehabilitation.
Lighting and Falls on Stairs in the Homes of Older People with Sight Loss (PDF)
The Lighting Guide, endorsed by the Institution of Lighting Professionals, is designed to help visually impaired people improve lighting in their homes, increasing their independence, comfort and safety.
Find out more about 'Lighting in and around the home'This guide highlights the power of design for daylighting to improve the lives of people with sight loss.
Find out more about 'Daylighting in older people’s housing: A guide for housing and design professionals and architects'Researchers have put together guidelines, which prioritise the person and their individual needs, to creating enabling environments that are sensitive to the needs of people with sight loss who also have dementia.
Find out more about 'Design of homes and living spaces for people with dementia and sight loss'This guide covers function and purpose, layout, light and colour in design for people with visual impairment.
Find out more about 'Interior design for people with visual impairment'This study found numerous low cost, effective solutions to problems with entrances to the homes of blind and partially sighted people.
Find out more about 'Designing house entrances for people with visual impairment'Designed as a CPD module for Occupational Therapists and other professionals, ‘Light for Sight’ outlines the significance of improving lighting in the home to improve the daily living and meaningful occupations of people who have visual impairments.
Find out more about 'Light for sight'
