RedwoodAge.com

Some 25 million elderly live alone, increasing the danger of devastating falls that case cause 370,000 broken hips and head injuries annually. 

More than 60 percent of the fatal falls occur in the home, according to the Centers for Disease Control.

The impact on the economy of medical care from preventable falls is staggering, an estimated $68 billion and $100 billion in 2010, according to Medical Nurse Training, of Stafford, Virginia.

Falls represent 40 percent of the nursing home admissions and costs to families. Of those admitted to hospitals only about half survive a serious fall. And falls are a leading cause of accidental death for those over 65. 

After a serious fall, a frail parent or relative may need to move in with their adult children. Today more than 44 million baby boomers live at home with an elderly sick parent, according to The Caring Alliance. 

Current economic conditions have increased these numbers, yet few people know how to care for a parent at home to prevent spills.

Training programs exist to help, including Medical Nurse Training.com. There are also specialized devices to prevent falls such as hip protectors, fall alarms, floor cushions, special furniture, bed safety guards, personal pagers and cushioned bath mats. Things as simple as socks or shower slippers may prevent falls at home.

Fall preventions devices for the home, can be seen on Saferfalls.com.  And online training for nursing staff or assisted living caregivers is available at Medical Nurse Training.