Every day, countless older Americans experience falls, leading to serious injuries, hospitalizations and even fatalities. These incidents not only are devastating for individuals and families, they also place a tremendous financial burden on our health care system. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, costs associated with falling will reach $100 billion annually by 2030.

Despite the magnitude of this issue, most falls are preventable. By expanding access to preventive care through fall risk assessments conducted by falls experts — physical and occupational therapists — the negative impacts of falling can be reduced significantly. Recently, Panther Physical Therapy in Harmony hosted U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, R-16th, to discuss legislation aimed at improving access to fall prevention services for Pennsylvanians with Medicare.

The Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly Act, H.R. 7618, would ensure Medicare beneficiaries can access a no-cost fall risk assessment as part of their annual wellness benefit.

Physical and occupational therapists are uniquely qualified to provide such assessments, identify possible vulnerabilities and tailor interventions to preserve the safety and independence of our aging population. The SAFE Act will enable more older Americans to receive preventive care, thereby reducing avoidable injuries, hospitalizations and health care costs.

As a supporter of this legislation, Panther Physical Therapy thanks Kelly for co-sponsoring the SAFE Act.

Mike Watson, PT, DPT, OCS

Valencia