Guest Blog: Why Every Falls Prevention Plan Should Include Physical Therapy

Kevin Takao, PT

My goal as a physical therapist is to enhance the health and well-being of my patients by empowering them to build strength and mobility, all while helping them avoid injuries. It’s common for the older patients—especially those over 65 and on Medicare—to visit our clinic after a life-altering fall and subsequent injuries. Unfortunately, falls disproportionately affect aging individuals and are a leading cause of injury, hospitalization, loss of independence, and even death.

One of the things that motivates me is knowing that falls can be prevented with proper assessments and proactive care, which is where the expertise of physical and occupational therapists comes into play.

During Falls Prevention Awareness Week (this week) providers and physical therapy advocates are championing awareness around preventing falls nationwide. Falls account for some of the most alarming statistics facing our aging population, as more than 1 out of 4 older Americans fall each year, resulting in hospitalizations, emergency department visits, and ailments like traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) and hip fractures. In recognition of Falls Prevention Awareness Week, it’s important to advocate for expanded access to lifesaving and injury-deterring falls prevention services provided by physical therapists.

At Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, physical and occupational therapists identify signs of fall risks early, including muscle weakness, balance, and gait issues. We can suggest home modifications to intervene before a potentially life-threatening fall strikes. PTs are certified falls risk experts, meaning we help our patients build the strength and confidence needed to stay steady on their feet. We regularly work with aging patients on personalized exercise routines and balance training, while also educating the community on how to prevent falls, recognize home risks, and avoid fall hazards.

It’s my job to help my patients enjoy the highest possible quality of life. However, many Medicare beneficiaries lack access to the proactive care needed to prevent falls, which can have a drastic impact on their lives and the lives of their loved ones.

This is why we are asking Congress to improve access to fall risk screening and preventive care. The bipartisan Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act (S. 2612/H.R. 1171) would allow more patients to access the preventative care they need to stay healthy and independent and reduce the number of falls nationwide by including a falls risk assessment performed by a PT or OT as part of the Medicare benefit – at no additional cost to the patient.

This Falls Prevention Awareness Week offers a chance to highlight the importance of physical therapy in helping aging patients stay safe, secure, and active with better access to preventative care. I encourage lawmakers to prioritize proactive measures in preventing falls and ensuring the stability and safety of our older patients.

To urge your lawmakers to support the SAFE Act, visit APTQI’s Take Action page!

Kevin Takao, PT, is the Regional Director for SOL Physical Therapy, part of Alliance Physical Therapy Partners, and a practicing clinician in the greater Oakland area in CA.