Every September during National Falls Prevention Week (Sept. 21-25, 2020), occupational therapists (OT) join other medical professions across the country in reminding Americans that falls are not just common among older Americans. They’re often debilitating, costly and even deadly. 

Falls are also largely preventable. That’s because they’re so often caused by issues that are easy to identify and fix. 

Balance and strength issues, trip hazards in the home, poor vision, and even certain prescription medications can increase someone’s chance of falling. These are things that can and should be addressed as people enter their golden years, before they experience a fall. 

A Fall Epidemic 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one in four Americans 65 and older experience a fall each year. Less than half actually report the incident to a doctor or loved one. 

Of those falls, about one in every five result in a serious injury (i.e., a broken bone or head injury), leading to more than 3 million emergency room visits and 800,000 hospitalizations each year. In 2015, these treatments and hospitalizations cost a total of about $50 billion, three-fourths of which was paid for through Medicare and Medicaid. 

National Falls Prevention Week provides an opportunity to shine a spotlight on this critical issue because it’s one that we as a society can improve with a more preventative mindset. One of the ways we can do this is by setting the record straight about some common myths older people have about falling. 

Common Fall Myths 

Falling is just a part of getting older. 

Wrong. Falling does not have to be a part of aging. As already discussed, the most common causes of falls are easy to identify and fix before a fall happens. 

I won’t fall if I just stay home and limit my activities. 

First off, more than half of all falls take place in the home. It’s true, and it’s likely because our guards are most often down when we’re home. Home is also where we spend the most of our time, including moments when we’re not always at our most alert (i.e., mornings, middle of the night, etc.). 

As for reducing activity, this can actually increase your chances of falling. When you become more sedentary is when you begin to lose muscle mass, flexibility, and range of motion, which can drastically affect your balance. 

Declining strength and flexibility are inevitable. 

Yes, it’s true the body tends to become weaker and less flexible as we age, but most older adults can recoup and maintain a lot of this through regularly exercise and activity. It’s never too late to improve your strength, flexibility and balance. 

Using walking aids make me less independent. 

Some older adults can benefit from the use of a cane or walker, and there’s no shame in this. When used properly, these devices can improve your mobility and make it possible for you to live a more active life. 

There’s no point in talking about falls unless they happen. 

If you’re concerned about falling either in the short term or the long, don’t keep it to yourself. By garnering support from loved ones and teaming up with an occupational therapist, your fall risk can be properly evaluated and improved. 

Following a personal evaluation and a review of your home environment, an occupational therapist will work with you and your caregivers to identify potential limitations and hazards, then recommend changes and interventions that can reduce your chances of experiencing a fall. 

Such recommendations may include home modifications, the improvement of physical abilities that may improve your safety during daily task, and changes in patterns and behaviors. An occupational therapist will educate and train you and your loved ones on how they can best support your individualized fall prevention efforts. 

To learn more, contact our occupational therapy team today!