Back the SAFE Act to prevent falls

Bruises, concussions and broken bones — these are all-too-common results of a fall. Each year, over 14 million older Americans fall, leading to serious injuries, hospital stays, loss of independence and even death. In fact, nearly 20% of older Illinoisans report falling each year and nationwide, fall-related Medicare costs are predicted to reach $100B annually.

The human and financial costs of falls are high. But it doesn’t have to be this way.

Falls, especially among our aging population, are preventable — and with a new bill in Congress, Medicare beneficiaries might soon be able to receive a falls risk assessment at no cost from their local physical and occupational therapists. The bipartisan Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly SAFE Act would enable seniors to receive this important benefit as part of their Medicare annual wellness visit and initial preventive physical exam.

As fall-prevention experts, physical and occupational therapists are uniquely positioned to identify potential weaknesses and hazards older adults face. Most importantly, they can create personalized plans to help seniors stay on their feet. My colleagues and I at ATI Physical Therapy recently hosted staff from Sen. Tammy Duckworth’s office to learn more about the SAFE Act and how physical therapists are helping seniors improve their strength and balance.

The Illinois physical therapy community sincerely appreciates Sen. Duckworth's dedication to bettering care in our communities and her co-sponsorship of the SAFE Act. We urge other legislators to act swiftly and pass the SAFE Act to protect older Americans from deadly falls.

Wade T. Harrell

Downers Grove