"While aging-in-place is the goal for most seniors, how do you, as the adult child, ensure sure they're safe?" she asks.

Here are some tips for dealing with the situation:

* Preventing falls. Falls are a leading cause of injury and death for seniors. Like the worry Jacobson describes, a new survey by market researchers Toluna found that a far greater number of caregivers were concerned about seniors being injured than seniors themselves were (76.1 percent vs. 33 percent). One simple first step is to remove all scatter rugs and make sure electric cords don't extend into high-traffic areas.

* Upgrading lights. While seniors sometimes may be reluctant to admit it, vision diminishes with age. So, brighten lights in kitchen work areas to reduce the risk of burns and cuts.

* Tech fix. The latest technology is the answer to substantial research highlighting the importance of staying connected for both seniors and caregivers. Harvard University researchers found that the odds of mental decline doubled for seniors with no social ties, for example, while Toluna's survey looked at the emotional toll on those trying to help loved ones age in place.

"For caregivers, ease of communication with the seniors they love relieves stress, reduces guilt and builds rich relationships," says expert on successful aging Adriane Berg.

Enter the new CareLine home safety telephone system from VTech (www.vtechphones.com/CareLine). The product includes three individual pieces designed for optimal usability, even for those with vision, hearing and dexterity issues. The pieces are the corded base phone with photo displays for frequent contacts, a cordless handset and a very handy pendant that can also be snapped onto a belt and easily kept with the user. The pendant can make and receive calls, access voicemail, and receive automatic reminders about medications and appointments.