It’s not corned beef on rye or ham and cheese. The “sandwich” generation is the 40-something Americans, sandwiched between two generations: their parents and their children. And today, many are being squeezed by the responsibilities of caring for both often all in the same household. But how do you prepare a household to meet the diverse needs that may range from infant to elderly? About 30 percent of all accidents in the home are caused by falls, and the majority of them take place in the bathroom. This confined space with hard, wet surfaces can be treacherous at any age, but children under five and adults over 70 have the highest rates of unintentional falls. Fortunately, it’s easy to make this room safer for your children, parents and yourself: * Install a night light to make nighttime visits easier and safer to navigate. * Use adhesive-backed, non-slip tread strips on tub/shower floors to reduce the chance of falls. * Mount grab bars to provide assistance when getting in and out of the tub. * Add an elevated toilet seat to help relieve stress on mom and dad’s knees, legs and back. The family room, or den, is often the social gathering point in the house. But it can quickly become cluttered with cords from lamps, appliances and video game controllers. Consider a few minor changes: * Remove area rugs or carpets that can create tripping hazards. * Use wireless controllers for video games and computer appliances to eliminate the chance of falls, as well as an unsightly mess of cords. * Space furniture so there is a clear walkway for both active kids and parents with walkers or wheel chairs. When not in the den, families spend the majority of their time in the kitchen. However, the kitchen can be a recipe for disaster. These few hints can make the heart of your home less hazardous: * Bind long cords from coffee makers, toasters and other kitchen appliances and be sure they do not hang from the counter. * To prevent unintentional burns, never leave the stove unattended with children in the room. Consider purchasing protective knob covers to prevent children from turning on the stove. * Store sharp cutlery in a wood block or purchase shields to protect fingers from sharp cuts. With a few minor updates, the sandwich generation can breathe easier knowing their homes are safer for their loved ones both young and old.