While this may seem to be something that you think everyone can and should be able to do, it is worth remembering that often live-in carers have come to the UK from another country where not only are light bulbs different, but fittings and fixtures are unfamiliar.

Not only are there several different styles of light bulb, there are different types of fittings. Depending on the age of the house you find yourself, you may not even be able to replace an old lightbulb because they are no longer made.

Types of light bulb

There are two types of light bulb that you will find in the UK, namely:

• Bayonet fitting
• Screw thread

Bayonet fittings are becoming obsolete now and you may have a hard time finding a replacement, so if you do come across a shop that still stocks them, it may be worth buying more than one, particularly if most of the lamps have this fitting.

Screw thread light bulbs come with either a thick shaft or a thin shaft and both are easy to find. You will be able to buy them at any Poundland or 99c store and any supermarket.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to changing the light bulb.

• Turn of the power. Under no circumstances should you try to remove and replace the lightbulb without isolating it. In rooms where there are two switches, such as one at either door, it may not be obvious after the light has blown, which way is on, and which way is off. In this case, you should turn the power off at the circuit board while you replace the bulb.
• Let the light bulb cool down. Normally when a light bulb blows (stops working), it will do so when it is on. It will simply go out. If you attempt to change it, you will find that it is very hot, and you will very likely burn yourself. Leave it for several minutes before feeling it.
• Use a ladder. Particularly in older houses with high ceilings, make use of a ladder to replace the light bulb. This is far more stable than a chair and you will be able to climb right up to a comfortable point without having to stretch up and overbalance.
• Remove the old bulb. Either unscrew the old bulb or click it out of the fitting by turning a little. They should come out easily this way. Should the entire bulb disintegrate and break apart, you should leave it and call an electrician who can get the pieces out safely.
• Insert the new bulb. Again, this is a simple matter of either screwing the new bulb in, or with a bayonet fitting, giving it a short turn to get the bulb in place. 
• Turn on the power. You will either turn the power back on at the wall switch or at the fuse bow, depending on how you have turned it off.
• Dispose of the old bulb. It is worth remembering that bulbs are fragile and can shatter easily. Wrap the old bulb in the new bulbs wrapping and throw it away. Make sure that no children can reach the shards.

Old bulbs cannot be recycled because of the fine wires which cannot be separated in the recycle process. They need to be disposed of in the regular household waste.

Final thoughts

If you think that the light bulb is too high for you to safely reach it, then call an electrician to do it rather than risk a fall from a ladder.

As far as possible, match the voltage of the old light bulb to the replacement, and take care when you dispose of the old bulb as it can shatter easily.

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