Falling stars, falling in love, even the fall season are all good and wondrous things. But falling down is not. And for seniors, falling can be particularly dangerous.

A variety of things can cause seniors to take a spill, not the least of which are throw rugs. While these small floor coverings can spruce up the d?cor, they also can cause extreme misery. To be safe, get rid of all throw or area rugs. If you simply can’t bear to be without them, be sure they are secured to the floor with double-sided carpet grade tape.

Should you find yourself walking on uneven ground or in unfamiliar territory, use a cane. If you are unbalanced at all, use a walker. And before you balk, keep reading. With my lovely mother’s permission, I will relay her story.

Mom is a bit unsteady on her feet and always needed to hang on to something or someone – usually me – when she ventured out. And she always managed to pinch, as she hung on, the most sensitive part of my upper arm.

I suggested she get a walker. To put it mildly, I was informed that she would, under no circumstances, use a walker and that she would never give up her independence. Fine.

However, I gently explained to her that she was far more dependent because she always had to hang on to someone (again, me), and that by using a walker – which is really just a tool like glasses to improve vision – she could come and go as she pleased. No need to hang on to my slightly, yet perpetually bruised arm for support. She’d be totally on her own.

Well, this had not occurred to her, and it wasn’t long before she was sporting a shiny new walker that folded up for easy transportation. She is now difficult to reach by phone because she is running the roads and having a blast.

She is more independent than ever and realizes that a walker is just a metal object that can improve the quality of life and is not the beginning of the end.

The moral of this story is, if you need help, get it – in whatever form that takes.

In addition, keep pathways clear, store commonly used items in low, easily reached cabinets so that step stools are unnecessary, have grab bars installed in the bathroom next to the shower and toilet, and keep nightclothes above the ankle.

Now, an all-white bathroom may be pretty, but it is important to have different colors, either on the tub or on the floor. Everything in one color makes it harder to judge distances. While we are touring the bathroom, make a note to put non-slip decals or a rubber mat in the tub.

Always wipe up spills immediately lest you forget they are there and then slip on them. And be especially careful when coming in out of the rain. Wearing wet shoes on a tile or linoleum floor is a slip waiting to happen. I almost took a tumble myself recently during one of our rainstorms.

Using nightlights in darkened hallways and bathrooms and keeping clutter out of pathways and off stairs can prevent a potential tragedy. Also, watch out for electrical or extension cords, and arrange furniture so that it is not protruding into a pathway.

Investing in a cordless phone can be liberating as you can answer it from wherever you happen to be. No more running to grab it before the caller hangs up.

If you are walking around the house, your phone in tow, don’t load yourself down with too many other items. Carry only what you can manage comfortably.

Finally, have your vision checked regularly and corrected if necessary.

I just did this as night driving was becoming increasingly difficult. New glasses made all the difference.

Speak with your doctor if you are taking any medication that makes you dizzy.

Remember, do not move an elderly person who has fallen because doing so could make any injury worse. It may seem harsh, but waiting until an ambulance arrives is best in the long run.

A little vigilance and forethought can help keep you upright.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information on EAA, call 941-2865, toll-free (800) 432-7812, e-mail info@eaaa.org or visit EAAA.org. TTY 992-0150.