The 80-year-old woman fell in her bedroom and lay on the floor for six hours until a worried neighbor called police. She was taken to the hospital with a broken hip.

For the families of seniors living at home alone, falls are the makings of nightmares. And for good reason. Falls are the leading cause of injuries and deaths among Americans over 65, according to the National Center for Injury Prevention and Control.

" Falls are a key warning sign that an older adult may need help," says Paul Sauer, president of Homewatch CareGivers in Denver. "If you notice a pattern of falling, it's time to talk with your loved ones. They may need caregiving assistance to continue living safely and independently at home."

In fact, reports the Henry J. Kaiser Foundation, about 12 million Americans need assistance from others to carry out their daily activities.

Besides falling, there are other warning signs that a senior may need help. Here's what to look for:

Physical Dangers. Bruises from bumping into things. Burns from cooking. Recent medical crisis. Recent car accidents.

Mental Alertness. Continual memory lapses. Confusion about time or dates. Trouble finding destinations. Difficulty sleeping. Appearance and Hygiene. Hair unclean. Face unshaven. Teeth unbrushed. Body odors indicating infrequent bathing. Stained, unkempt or unchanged clothes.

Diet. Noticeable weight gain or loss. Lack of food or proper selection of food in the house. Lack of interest in eating. Signs of alcohol abuse.

Housekeeping. Spoiled food in the refrigerator. Cluttered house. Dirty clothes in the closet. Burnt pans or pot holders. Unopened mail. Piled-up bills.

Sociability. Recent reduction in activities. Lack of interest in family, friends or favorite hobbies. Less talkative in gatherings. No longer returns phone calls.

Mobility. Difficulty moving around, climbing stairs, getting up or down. Unsafe driving behavior.

" Once you've gained a better idea of how a loved one is coping, consider the different options for care," Sauer says. "Most seniors prefer to live in the comfort of their homes. So if they're healthy enough, their best option may be to receive assistance at home."

Homewatch CareGivers and other Denver-area companies provide caregivers to help seniors continue living in their own homes.

" At Homewatch, we perform a free client assessment and a home safety evaluation that includes a fall risk assessment," Sauer says. "Then we closely match the client with a quality caregiver. Our caregivers are screened, bonded, insured, and can provide care from two to 24 hours a day, every day of the year."

Services provided by Homewatch include short or long-term assistance with bathing, meals, medications, transportation and household duties.
Families of seniors needn't feel alone in facing the issue of care. The National Family Caregivers Association estimates that 54 million Americans are now providing care for a loved one. "If you pay attention to the warning signs now," Sauer says, "you can do a lot to help your loved ones enjoy a better quality of life for years to come."