If you've fallen lately, you're not alone. More than 11 million
people over the age of 65 fall every year -- that's 1 of every 3
senior citizens. People with Parkinson's disease are especially
likely to be among this group because the illness can affect their
balance, posture, and the way they move. Falls can be a serious
problem -- they are a major cause of injury, restricted mobility,
and loss of independence.

The good news is that many falls can be prevented. The most
important step you can take to prevent falls is to maintain as much
strength and coordination as possible by following your doctor's
instructions on taking your medications, eating properly, and
exercising. The next step is to look around your home for hazards
that could lead to a fall, and correct them. Here are some
suggestions for creating a safer home environment:

In the bathroom:

Use grab bars to get into and out of the tub
Use a bath chair or stool in the shower
Don't use throw rugs or wax on the bathroom floor
Use a raised toilet seat with arm rails
Buy soap on a rope, or put a bar of soap in a nylon stocking with
one end tied to a towel bar
In the kitchen:

Use a long-handled sponge/mop to wipe up spills
Keep your floors smooth but not slippery
Store your often-used supplies in easy-to-reach cabinets
Avoid hard-to-reach wall phones; consider a cordless phone that can
be carried from room to room, or a counter model
Throughout your home:

Be sure that stairwells are well lit; consider nightlights for
hallways and bathrooms
Wear low-heeled, comfortable shoes with nonskid soles; don't walk
around in socks, slippers, or stockings on bare floors
Keep rooms and hallways free of clutter
Make sure carpets, including those on stairs, have skidproof backing
or are tacked to the floor
Above all, use common sense. If bending throws you off balance, try
to avoid picking things up. If you are unsteady outdoors, use a cane
to negotiate sidewalk cracks and curbs. If you fall but do not
injure yourself, don't assume that you must restrict your
activities. Too little activity can cause you to lose strength and
coordination, putting you at greater risk for another fall. Instead,
talk to your doctor about these and other steps you can take to
reduce your risk of a more serious fall.