My 84-year-old mother is about to come home from a nursing home where she has been recovering from a broken hip. It happened when she fell in her kitchen last winter. Mom’s overall health is still good and she’s very sharp mentally, but she’s not quite as light on her feet as she used to be. Before she gets home, we’re looking to cover our bases and make her house as fall-proof and obstacle-free as possible. Do you have any thoughts or helpful tips on this matter?

Thank you

Fall Proofing Pete

Dear Pete,

You’re a good son! Did you know about half of all falls occur at home? Taking that extra precaution might just help prevent your mom taking another tumble. It’s estimated that in the United States, one of every three people age 65 and older falls each year, and that falls are the leading cause of death from injuries among the elderly.

Savvy Note: Two-thirds of seniors who fall have a repeat fall within six months, so be sure that your mom is rehabilitated and feels ready to go home before you take her.

It’s good to remember that falling is not the result of just getting older. However, the older you get, the more it can hurt and cause serious, even fatal injury! Most falls occur while doing every day activities at home, especially on stairs and in kitchens,, bathrooms and bedrooms. Here are some preventive household tips to help your mom stay upright and reduce her chances of falling.

Fall Proof Her Home

• Make sure there is a clear walkway through every room. It is a good idea to remove tripping hazards such as books, clothes, shoes and extension cords from walkways. Also, objects out of their normal place that are overlooked can cause a person to trip.

• Pitch the throw rugs or use double-sided tape to keep rugs from slipping. Also, tack down the edges of all potentially lose carpets.

• Keep items used most often in cabinets, that can be reached easily without using a step stool.

• Install grab bars next to your toilet and in the tub or shower.

• Use non-slip mats in the bathtub and on shower floors. •Use nonskid mats, abrasive strips, or carpet on any bathroom surface that may get wet.

• Good lighting can prevent many falls. Make sure that light switches are easy to get to and accessible from both the top and bottom of a stairway.

• Install night-lights in the bedroom, bathroom and hallways.

• Have handrails and lights put in on all staircases.

• Arrange furniture and other objects so that there are still wide, clear aisles for walking.

• Wear shoes that give good support and have thin non-slip soles. Avoid wearing slippers and, athletic shoes with deep treads.

Fall Proof Your Mom

• Have her eyes checked! She may be wearing the wrong glasses or have a condition such as glaucoma or cataracts that limits your vision.

• Have her hearing checked! She may have some inner ear problems that affect her balance.

• Review her medications with her doctor or pharmacist. Some drugs can cause drowsiness, dizziness, or unsteadiness.

• Does your mom drink alcohol? Even a small amount can affect coordination and reaction time

• Exercise! Ask her doctor to help plan an exercise program that will improve her strength, flexibility and balance.

Savvy Resources

• American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons: http://orthoinfo. aaos. org.

• American Academy of Otolaryngology: www.entnet. org/healthinfo/balance/fall. cfin

•The National Safety Council: www.nsc.org/issues/ ifalls/falfalls.htm

Send your senior questions to: Savvy Senior, P.O. Box 5443, Norman, OK 73070 or visit www.savvysenior.org.