There’s a reason many seniors can’t live independently. It happened to one of our neighbors twice in one year. She fell first in her kitchen and broke her back. She tripped over an area rug. She was in the hospital for months.

The second time he fell he broke his shoulder. He is now in a nursing home. Marian Hoskins, a personal home health aide, told us that the hardwood floors that are so trendy right now are a danger to seniors. Marian has over 30 years of experience as an LPN on the surgical floor and in the emergency room.

She says that if older people fall on a wooden floor, they will break something. But if they land on a padded rug, they might not. Many older people also slip on rugs. The wall-to-wall mat has a comfortable, even surface that is good for safety and fall prevention.

And falls are a problem and a danger for all older people. Even with a chronic illness, they will get along and suddenly they will NOT be well.

They may or may not break a bone, but a fall can cause serious problems for both seniors and their families. Marian says that the most common fractures are the hips and arms. And many older people end up in nursing care because of them. But at least some die as a result of a fall. Stress can cause a heart attack or stroke.

At least sometimes, a drug can cause dizziness or disorientation that can lead to a fall. Even over-the-counter medications can cause dizziness. Cold and allergy medications, sleeping pills, and many others can make you drowsy or dizzy.

And some older people may be overmedicated due to forgetfulness or weight loss, both of which are common for older patients. And another problem that older people face is that they may be living in homes that are not accessible.

Grab bars in bathrooms can make all the difference. But few families are willing to go through the hassle, expense, and hassle of making the old house truly affordable.

We advocate for a building code that requires built-in accessibility in all new homes and buildings, especially bathrooms. We are all getting older. And a broken leg will convince any homeowner that accessibility is desirable in any living space.

Disability is not limited to older people. Even a temporary injury or orthopedic operation for a young person can make accessibility a huge benefit for all owners and renters.

But grab bars are a good start for seniors and could prevent the kind of falls and injuries that disable and even kill some seniors each year.

Additionally, careful monitoring of medications and their effect on an individual could also prevent some injuries.

These falls caused by medications and/or household hazards are things that can be fixed with care and good planning. Older people can do a few things to help ensure their safety. And families and caregivers can help too. Fall injuries can take away our precious independence. It is worth investing a little time and money to avoid these injuries.