Falls Raise Risk of Nursing Facility Placement Among Older Adults, Study Finds
A new study published in the American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine found that falls increase the likelihood of nursing home placement among older adults. The researchers assessed fall prevalence and its association with nursing home placement from 2016 to 2022. Key findings from the study include:
- Falls were reported by 22.6% of participants and were higher among older females, white people, and those with poor health status, multiple chronic conditions, and existing functional limitations.
- Falls significantly increased the risk of nursing home and skilled nursing facility placement in the following year.
In addition to noting that unintentional falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, the authors also indicated the need for increased access to preventative care. “Preventative strategies targeting modifiable fall risk factors, such as strength and balance training, chronic disease management, and home safety intervention, could reduce fall incidence and the need for placement in nursing facilities,” the researchers wrote.
The study specifically identifies physical therapy as an approach to identify and address key risk factors for falls and help keep older adults healthy, independent, and out of nursing homes.
This study underscores the urgent need for Congress to pass legislation to increase access to preventative therapy services. If passed, the bipartisan Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act (S. 2612/H.R. 1171) would allow Medicare beneficiaries to receive a no-cost falls risk assessment from a physical or occupational therapist as part of their annual wellness benefit. APTQI urges lawmakers to swiftly pass this bill to help older adults continue aging safely and at home.
To read the full study, CLICK HERE.
To urge your lawmakers to support the SAFE Act, CLICK HERE.