While this epidemic continues to grow, falls can be prevented with the help of physical and occupational therapists.

Therapy is a powerful tool for helping seniors avoid falls, reduce pain, and stay independent in their home. A 2023 report demonstrates that seniors who utilize physical therapy are less likely to visit the emergency room or be hospitalized and less likely to use opioid-based drugs for pain – all while significantly reducing healthcare spending.

Fall risk assessments examine a seniors’ home environment, balance, strength, flexibility, reflexes, walking pattern and more to provide them with ways to decrease their chances of falling. However, Medicare does not currently cover a falls risk assessment by a therapist as part of seniors’ annual wellness visits or physical exams. If such coverage was available, millions of seniors could benefit and potentially lower their risk of suffering a fall.

Representatives Carol Miller and Melanie Stansbury have introduced the Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act (H.R. 7618). If passed, the bill would provide seniors who have fallen in the past year an annual fall risk assessment by a physical or occupational therapist at no cost to them. 

Please urge your House Representative to become a co-sponsor of this important legislation!