Falls are responsible for more deaths than heart attack and stroke in people age 65 and over. 95% of hip fractures are caused by falls and more than half, 55% of all falls, occur in the home. Falls can lead to serious injury and those who fall 2-3 times are more likely to fall again.

The National Safety Council recommends that you modify your home environment to reduce the common risks that cause trips and falls. Here are some tips:

* Use contrasting colors on floors and walls, lighter colors on floors is recommended.

* Keep walking surfaces level as much as possible. Use skid resistant surfaces on floors, rough tiles or carpets with short, dense pile. Avoid shag carpets and changes in walking surfaces from room to room.

* Keep it well lit. As we age we need brighter light than we did when we were in our twenties.

* Mount light fixtures on the wall within reach and use fixtures that have two bulbs. Make sure light switches are at the entrance to rooms.

* Watch out for extension and phone cords. Keep them short and out of the way. Do not run them under carpet as it could be a fire hazard.

* Install handrails and grab bars in the bathroom to minimize falls in the tub and when rising from the toilet.

* Handrails on stairs should extend beyond the last step at both the top and bottom of the stairs. Remove padded carpet treads from stairs. If possible, use a strip of bright color at the edge of each step.

Other Resources:

WebMD - Preventing Harm in Your Own House

NSC.org - Designs on Building Safe Homes for the Elderly