In October, the morning air has definitely changed. Many of you might think of your parents living alone at this time of year.

It's easy to just brush off their "I'm fine" over the phone. But when you look at the numbers, it's not something to take lightly.

According to CDC data, 1 in 4 seniors aged 65 and older in the U.S. falls each year. That's over 14 million people.

What's more concerning is that less than half of them report it to a doctor. This is the pattern when parents say, "It was nothing serious."

Emergency room visits due to falls are about 4.5 million a year, with 1.4 million resulting in hospitalizations. Data shows that 88% of emergency room visits for hip fractures are due to falls.

The mortality rate is also rising. The fall-related death rate among seniors per 100,000 people increased by 21% from 64.7 in 2018 to 78.4 in 2024. I was honestly a bit shocked when I saw this number.

The reason winter is dangerous is simple. The days are shorter, making homes darker, and wearing thick socks with slippers can lead to slips, especially with snow and ice on the front steps.

This is even more true in neighborhoods like the Bronx, where old apartments and single-family homes are mixed. There are more homes than you might think with dim hallway lighting or loose stair railings.

So, I recommend checking each room when you visit your parents this weekend. It doesn't have to be a major renovation; a 30-minute walk-through is sufficient.

The first area to check is the bathroom. This is where most falls occur, combining wet floors and slippery tubs.

The New York City Health Department recommends installing grab bars next to the toilet and in the tub and shower. It's really dangerous to use a towel rack as a handhold. Towel racks are not designed to support weight.

Place non-slip mats in the tub, and it's also good to have a shower chair. Dizziness can happen more often than you think while standing and showering.

The second area is lighting. Make sure to plug in a night light along the path from the bedroom to the bathroom. It's common to trip while fumbling in the dark in the early morning.

Check if there are switches at both the top and bottom of the stairs. If a bulb is out, replace it right there.

The third area is the floor. Small rugs, electrical cords, and piles of newspapers and boxes are common trip hazards.

Parents in Korea often have a hard time throwing things away. I understand that sentiment, but you need to clearly ask them to keep pathways clear.

The fourth area is the entrance and outside stairs. Test the railings to see if they are sturdy. It's a good idea to keep ice melt within easy reach inside the door.

The fifth area is the kitchen. Move frequently used pots and dishes to waist and shoulder height. Climbing on a chair to reach the upper shelves is the most dangerous habit.

Now, let's talk about money. Many people misunderstand that Original Medicare typically does not cover bathroom safety items like grab bars.

However, Medicare's Annual Wellness Visit can be received once a year at no cost, where health risk assessments, including fall risks, are conducted. If your parents have fallen, make sure they mention it during this visit.

If they are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, some plans may cover bathroom safety items. Since it varies by plan, it's best to check directly using the number on the back of the card.

If you live in New York City, the NYC Aging Older Adult Home Modification Program is also worth looking into. Licensed occupational therapists come to assess the home and provide free modifications like grab bars, railings, and lighting.

Eligibility is for residents aged 62 and older in the five boroughs of New York City, with income at or below 80% of the area median income (AMI). Tenants can apply with the landlord's consent.

For application methods or current registration status, you can contact NYC Aging directly or call 311 for confirmation. Income criteria and support scope may vary based on individual circumstances, so be sure to check with a representative or expert.

I believe in using government programs when available. However, winter will arrive while waiting for applications and renovations.

A few night lights, non-slip mats, and a shower chair can be purchased today at a local hardware store. It's my principle to take care of my parents' home first.

Finally, how you talk to your parents is also important. Saying, "We need to change this because it's dangerous" is less effective than saying, "Let's prepare for winter together."

It's too late to fix things after a fall. Spending 30 minutes this weekend is the cheapest insurance you can get.