Each year over half a million folks (in the U.S.) will fall and either injure themselves or die. Naturally the more fragile the person, the more serious the injury is apt to be. There are many things that can be done to try and curb this sad statistic. So don't wait to become part of the numbers. Here are some tips on staying in the upright position unless it is your intention to lay down.

House Cleaning - keep the house clear of obstacles. Toys or other objects on the floor may not easily be seen by an elderly person until it is too late. That sounds rather simplistic but if it were really that simple, falls due to these types of oversights would not be part of the problem.

Nighttime Lighting - nightlights are rather inexpensive and the nice thing about them is that thy install close to the floor in a convenient outlet. Get plenty of them and find ones that burn brighter. Lighting the way is an inexpensive way to help avoid accidents in the home.

Sidewalks - repair cracks and other imperfections that might cause a person to trip and fall.

Steps - indoors and outdoors; install handrails. Allowing a place for someone to "hold on to" increases balance and assists in the prevention of accidental falling. The steps, just like the rest of the house, should also be kept clear of obstacles.

Rugs - Many throw-rugs are inherently slippery. You do not necessarily have to run out and buy new throw-rugs. You can purchase pads to put under your existing rugs to make them grip the floor much better than they typically do on their own. An example of this product is the Rug Saver Non-Slip Rug Cushion which can be found at Target Stores.

A side benefit about these rug cushions is that they also make it much easier to vacuum your rugs, because the rugs are less inclined to "slide away" as you attempt to vacuum them.

Walking - if you walk outside at night, carry a flashlight. When you exit a lighted room and go outdoors, remember that momentary reduced vision or blindness can occur until your eyes adjust to the absence of light. This makes you much more vulnerable until your eyes regain their nighttime vision.

If you walk with a cane, consider a lighted cane as an aid to prevent falling. An example of a lighted cane can be seen below. Note: click on the image for more information or to buy it.

Medications - Test your medications especially if they are new. If they make you lightheaded or dizzy, you are more apt to fall after taking them. Discuss the matter with your doctor. If you must continue to take them, prepare to watch TV or perform some other sitting activity until you feel better composed. Perhaps it is a good time for a nap.

Getting Up after Sitting - Many falls happen when a person gets up after sitting for an extended period. Stretch before you get up. Move in place a little and maintain a firm grip on your surroundings. If you feel the least bit lightheaded. Be prepared to sit again if necessary.

Bathrooms - spray the floors, tub and shower with a non-slip surface. Hotels do it. Why not do it in your home?

Monitoring - There are services that monitor the elderly in case they do fall or have some other type of medical emergency. If money is an issue, then at least buy a cordless phone that you can clip to your clothes and carry with you in the event of an emergency.

My name is Paul Veilleux and I like to write. But I also like to listen. If you can think of any other situation that could cause a person to fall, and a way to prevent it, let me know and I will be glad to include it in this article. This article is intended as an aid to fall prevention. I do not claim it to be the begin-all end-all article. Falls could still occur even with the best safety precautions in place. A person could simply faint and fall. The idea behind all this is to simply improve your odds. I am legally blind and have had to learn a great deal about improving ones odds.

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