Question:

My elderly mother lives alone and I'm scared that she is going to fall and break her hip. She's ignored me about this until she saw on the news that former President Reagan fell and broke his hip. So, now that I have her attention, what can I do for her?

Answer:

Former President Ronald Reagan's recent fall at his home points up a growing national problem. The National Safety Council (NSC) estimates that falls caused or led to 17,100 deaths in America last year. Of those, 9,600 occurred in homes. While all age groups are vulnerable, eight out of 10 of those dying as a result of a fall are over age 65.

Falls are the number one cause of injury-related death for men age 80 and older and for women age 75 and older. The problem is expected to grow as the nation's population ages, and health factors associated with aging increase the likelihood that a fall will result in a fatal or disabling fracture.

Hip fractures, like the one suffered by President Reagan, are one of the most serious injuries resulting from such falls. More than 24 percent of all people suffering a hip fracture die within a year of the fall and another 50 percent never return to their prior level of mobility or independence.

The NSC and safety experts offer these tips to improve the home environment to help prevent falls in the home:

• Keep the floors clear. Reduce clutter and safely tuck telephone and electrical cords out of walkways.
• Clean up grease, water and other liquids immediately.
• Do not wax floors.
• Remove throw rugs, or make sure your rug has non-skid backing, to reduce the chance of slipping.
• Install handrails in stairways.
• Install grab bars by the toilet and in the tub or shower. Put down grid strips in the bottom of the tub.
• Make sure living areas are well lit to reduce the risk of tripping and falling in the dark.
• Use a sturdy step stool with handrails when reaching high storage places.

Secure the outside of the home, as well. When not in use, wind up the garden hose and place it next to the house or, better yet, hang it in the garage. Keep the yard clear of sticks and rocks, and fill in any holes in the ground. Keep the lawn mowed. Check the front and back steps, replacing any boards that may be cracked or missing. Keep plants and other decorative items off steps leading to the door.

For more information, visit the NSC Web site.