To Prevent Falls Among Older Floridians, Representative Webster Should Support the SAFE Act

Life-threatening falls for adults over the age 65 are all-too common and costly, despite being entirely preventable. In fact, in Florida, more than 24% of older adults report falling each year, with falls being the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries across the US among this population. Falls cause a loss of independence, serious health complications, and often create dependence on addictive pain medications. Without proper risk assessments and preventative interventions, falls will continue to jeopardize older Americans’ balance, strength, and mobility – leading to increased hospitalizations and healthcare costs. 

As a physical therapist at Ability Rehabilitation in Clermont, my colleagues and I recently welcomed staff from Representative Daniel Webster’s office to our clinic to discuss how physical therapy is a cost-effective solution to address the growing rate of falls among older adults statewide. 

Thankfully, physical therapy is a proven approach for falls intervention, pain reduction, and improved quality of life for older Americans. 

During the visit, we shared our support for the bipartisan Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act (H.R. 1171), which would allow Medicare beneficiaries to receive a no-cost falls risk assessment from a physical or occupational therapist—the falls experts—as part of their annual wellness benefit. We encourage Rep. Webster to support and pass the SAFE Act so more older Floridians can access this critical preventive care to reduce harmful falls. 

By Tommy Oliva, PTA/CMPTA, Regional Director at Ability Rehabilitation

Clermont, Florida

To read the LTE in Clermont Sun, CLICK HERE.