Experts at Consumer Reports say many falls are preventable -- by making a few easy changes around your house.
- Start by arranging the furniture so that it's not blocking any of the pathways that you typically use to walk around your home. For example, take a look at the path from your bed to the door of your bedroom. If there's something in the way, move it.
- Next, find a place for things like pet bowls and electrical cords along the walls ... and get piles of papers off the ground. You're basically taking a good look around and moving anything at all that somebody might trip over.
- And, get rid of throw rugs, which can skid -- or keep them in place with carpet tacks or double sided carpet tape. Wall-to- wall carpeting is really your safest bet.
- Finally, in the bathroom - put a rubber mat or non-slip strips in the tub -- and install grab bars.
- Poor lighting can also increase your risk of falling. Consumer Reports suggests placing a lamp within easy reach of your bed -- and putting night-lights in the bathroom, hallways and kitchen.
Good lighting on stairs is particularly important -- so install light switches at both the top and bottom of stairs. Finally, keep a flashlight handy, in case of a power outage.