Brain injuries can happen to anyone at anytime.

The majority of brain injuries (38%) are caused by falls.

This is the leading cause for brain injury for both young children and for older persons, with most falls occurring within your own home or community, while doing every-day tasks and activities.

By making some simple changes to your home you can help reduce the chance of a fall, and limit the risk of sustaining a life changing brain injury for yourself and your family.

Avoiding falls at home

Tips for preventing falls in the home include:

  • immediately mop up any spills
  • remove clutter, wires and frayed carpet
  • use non-slip mats and rugs, and stick down matt corners
  • apply grips to indoor and outdoor stairs
  • apply non-slip mats to the bottom of baths, and attach hand railings in bathrooms
  • use high-wattage light bulbs
  • organise your home so that climbing, stretching and bending are kept to a minimum, and to avoid bumping into things
  • remove socks and tights when walking on slippery floors
  • not wearing loose-fitting or trailing clothing that might trip you up
  • wear well-fitting shoes that are in good condition and support the ankle.

If you or a loved one are on medication and are worried about it contributing to poor balance, chat with your doctor about your options.

If you or your loved one are tripping or bumping into things repeatedly, an eye sight test may be a good start.

For older persons, strength and balance training can improve stability and help prevent falls as well as reducing the anxiety of suffering a repeat fall. Talk with your doctor about the right exercise for your needs.