Key takeaways
- Falls are preventable: Falling is not a natural part of aging; evidence-based programs significantly reduce risk of falling.
- Program requirements: Effective intervention typically requires at least 50 hours of exercise over 3 months. Programs focus on medication management, home safety modifications, and strength/balance training.
- Cost-effectiveness: Medicare often covers the program, costing far less than the average $30,000 hospital bill for a fall injury.
- Flexible care: Specialized home-based services are available for those who are not homebound but struggle to reach a clinic.
MOST OF THE INFORMATION BELOW WAS PRESENTED AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE SPECIAL COMMITTEE ON AGING (SCA) IN THE US SENATE IN OCT. 2019.
Falls prevalence and cost (US Senate SCA)
- More than one in four Americans aged 65 and older falls each year.
- More than one in three Americans aged 85 and older falls each year.
- Currently, the annual cost of fall injuries in the USA is $50 billion; by 2030, the cost is expected to be $100 billion.
- Utah’s yearly cost falls by $165 million
Will a fall prevention program help?
Yes. Falling does not have to be a natural part of aging, though falling once doubles your chances of falling again. After decades of targeted trials, researchers have developed evidence-based programs to prevent falls among seniors.
How long does the program take?
You’ll see the biggest change when you stick with the program for at least three months. Most people start with 1–2 visits a week. As your strength and balance improve, the visits taper off, but you’ll keep practicing the exercises at home.
Will I have to exercise?
Yes. Regular movement is the best medicine for preventing falls, with studies showing 42% reduction in falls with adequate exercise. Aim for about 50 total hours of exercise over three months, which is roughly 30 minutes a day, three times a week. Mix balance drills (like standing on one foot), leg-strength moves (such as sit-to-stands), and light cardio (walking or swimming) to get results.
Staying active at all ages
As we age, the two forms of exercise most important to focus on are Aerobic Exercise and Strength Training.
Aerobic exercise, or cardio, will increase your heart rate and keep it elevated for a period.
Strength training slows down the loss of muscle mass with age. Usually, aerobic exercise and strength training don’t require fancy equipment or expensive classes.
What does the program consist of?
Effective fall prevention programs address three areas:
- Medication management
- Home safety modifications (reducing falls by 40%)
- Strength, flexibility, and balance training
What does it cost?
Because most seniors have Medicare as their primary insurance and secondary insurance, out-of-pocket costs are minimal.
In contrast, the US Senate Special Committee on Aging recently reported that the average hospital cost for a fall-related injury is approximately $30,000.00.
What are the risks of doing nothing?
The US Senate Special Committee on Aging reports, “Falling can result in physical injuries, such as fractures, disability, and head trauma, as well as psychological and functional consequences such as loss of independence, social isolation, institutionalization, and even death.
How will I know if it is working?
A validated balance test is performed at the beginning, midway, and at the end to demonstrate improvements in balance and fall protection strategies.
Is this the same as home health?
No. Home health is for patients who are homebound. This program is for senior patients who are not homebound but find it difficult to get to our clinic for any number of reasons, including transportation challenges, anxiety, fear of falling, etc.
Our program begins in the patient’s home and, if the patient feels comfortable, concludes with more challenging activities in the clinic; otherwise, it finishes at home.
Ready to move forward? Contact us now to schedule an appointment with Mountain Land Physical Therapy Partners.
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