Why falls prevention should be a priority

October is National Physical Therapy Month, a time to raise community awareness of physical therapy's many benefits. This October, we focus on the importance of falls prevention services. 

As a physical therapist at Bayhealth, I’ve seen too many older adults after they fall. Falls are the leading cause of injury for older adults, and millions fall every year. By the time they see a physical therapist, they’re often dealing with more than just physical injuries; there also may be a loss of independence, livelihood and confidence. The financial toll is a huge burden, with billions of dollars spent annually on falls-related medical care. Despite the clear need, Medicare doesn’t do enough to support falls prevention services. The good news is that falls are preventable. 

We can make a real difference in the lives of older adults by expanding Medicare coverage for physical therapy-based falls prevention. This would mean making falls risk assessments a routine part of Medicare’s annual wellness visits. And for older adults at a higher risk of falling, it would mean ensuring they receive a referral to a physical therapist for further screening and preventive care. If more people had access to these services before a fall occurred, we could most importantly reduce injuries and help seniors maintain their independence. This would lead to a reduction in overall healthcare costs. 

Physical therapy helps address risk factors that contribute to falls, such as poor balance, muscle weakness and mobility issues. By improving strength, mobility and balance, physical therapy can significantly reduce the likelihood of falls, thus avoiding costly post-injury care.

Currently, there are programs within Medicare that could be used for falls prevention, such as the Welcome to Medicare and annual wellness visits. Unfortunately, these programs are underutilized. To prioritize falls prevention in Medicare, Congress must pass – and the president must sign – the bill currently in the U.S. House of Representatives titled the SAFE Act. With it, we can allow more seniors to access physical therapy services for falls prevention, and help avoid the suffering and costs associated with falls.

As someone who helps patients after they are injured, I know that preventing falls isn’t just about avoiding injuries; it’s about helping older adults live longer, healthier and more independent lives. By advocating for better Medicare coverage for falls prevention services, we can help protect our seniors and save money in the long run.

You can visit choosePT.com/falls to learn about falls awareness, get tips to avoid falls, and learn how physical therapy can help you recover from a fall-related injury. 

Additionally, you can visit bayhealth.org/community-wellness/classes-events to sign up for our award-winning Matter of Balance class, or inquire about rehabilitative services offered at bayhealth.org/services/outpatient-therapy.

Let’s make falls prevention a priority for our loved ones and ourselves!