As the Canadian population ages, injury and death from falls are on the rise. And a serious head injury -with loss of consciousness, is associated with a higher risk of developing dementia.

Here are few recommendations for proactively preventing falls in your home:

1. Talk to your doctor about falls prevention. Have regular vision and hearing tests.
2. Take prescription and over-the-counter medications correctly. Keep a medication record and review it regularly with your doctor. Tell your doctor if your medication makes you dizzy or light-headed.
3. Install proper lighting throughout your home. Pay special attention to stairs (with a light switch at both ends) and bathrooms. Use night-lights in the hallways, particularly between the bedroom and bathroom.
4. Keep your floor and stairs free of clutter. Avoid the use of scatter rugs.
5. Be sure to have at least one handrail (preferably two) on all stairways and steps in your home. Ensure handrails are securely attached and in good repair.
6. Check that stairs are in good repair and are slip resistant. If any stairs are broken, have them fixed promptly. Add a strip along the edge of each step in a contrasting color to make it easier to see or use reflective anti-skid treads.
7. Take the same precautions for outdoor steps. In addition, arrange to have leaves, snow and ice removed on a regular basis. Use salt or sand throughout the winter months.
8. Wear proper footwear. Shoes, boots and slippers should provide good support and have good soles. Avoid loose slippers or stocking feet.
9. Install grab bars in all bathrooms, by the toilet and in the bathtub or shower. It's a good idea to have two bars in the tub, one on a side wall and one on the back wall. If you need extra support, consider a bath seat or bench so you can have a shower sitting down.
10. Use a rubber mat along the full length in your tub, and a non-skid bath mat beside the tub.
11. Use walking aids and other safety devices for extra safety. If you use a cane or a walker, check that it is the right height and that the rubber tips are not worn. Install stainless steel prongs (ice picks) on canes for safe walking in the winter.