AOTA Recognizes Falls Prevention Awareness Week: Sept. 23-27, 2024
Occupational Therapy Practitioners Key to Addressing this National Public Health Concern
Bethesda, MD, 09/20/2024 - Falls among older adults continue to be a national public health concern. The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) joins with our partners at the National Council on Aging to recognize Falls Prevention Awareness Week, a nationwide observance to raise awareness on preventing falls, reducing the risk of falls, and helping older adults live without fear of falling.
Scott A. Trudeau, PhD, MAOT, director of Practice Engagement for AOTA says, “Occupational therapy practitioners (OTPs) address falls from the context of, ‘what are the activities that you need and want to do in your daily life – occupations – and how do these add to or inhibit your risk for falls'?”
Traditionally, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), falls were seen as the purview of physical therapists only. Due to the fierce advocacy and extensive national research conducted by Trudeau and other OTPS, guidelines set by the CDC were revised to add an official recommendation that people at risk should be referred to occupational therapy (OT) for an environmental hazard assessment. Trudeau calls this direct recommendation to refer to OT, “A major, major win.”
Occupational therapy practitioners assess the many reasons for falls risk, because they are trained to treat clients holistically. For example, a person experiencing incontinence due to disease or injury may need to suddenly run to the bathroom and may be at risk of falling. This could create anxiety, thus, a mental health challenge in addition. Or, some medication may make a person feel unsteady, putting them at risk of a fall at home or at work.
Trudeau says, “Falls are a multifaceted problem, and yes, strength and balance may be part, especially people who are recuperating from acute injury or deconditioning, so intervention from physical therapy would be critical. But OTPs have a much more holistic vantage point than anyone else on the team. We step back and look at all of the variables and dynamics.”
Important Statistics on Falls
According to the CDC, each year, millions of older people—those 65 and older—fall. In fact, more than one out of four older people falls each year, but less than half tell their doctor. Falling once doubles the chances of falling again.
- One out of 10 falls results in an injury that causes the older adult to restrict their activities for a day or more or to seek attention from the healthcare system.
- Each year, there are about 3 million emergency department visits due to older people falls.
- Each year, there are about 1 million fall-related hospitalizations among older adults.
- In 2019, 83% of hip fracture deaths and 88% of emergency department visits and hospitalizations for hip fractures were caused by falls.
- Falls are the most common cause of traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
Falls Are More than Aging Risk
Research has identified many conditions that contribute to the risk of falling. These risk factors include:
- Lower body weakness
- Vitamin D deficiency Difficulties with walking and balance
- Use of medicines, such as tranquilizers, sedatives, or antidepressants. Even some over-the-counter medicines can affect balance.
- Vision problems
- Foot pain or poor footwear
- Home hazards or dangers, such as broken or uneven steps, throw rugs or clutter that can be tripped over
OTPs can help reduce the fall risk factors mentioned above through evidence-based programming, and enlisting support from health care providers, community resources, friends, and family. Trudeau says, “We know that preventing falls is possible, and we want to empower older adults to take action and reduce their risk of falling.”
MEDIA
To interview Dr. Scott Trudeau, please contact AOTA media relations at praota@aota.org. The CDC is partnering with AOTA to present two upcoming webinars, free of charge, to promote the use of the CDC STEADI Initiative’s algorithm in occupational therapy practice and implementing the updated My Mobility Plan resource. AOTA and CDC are targeting November 2024 and April 2025 dates for these exciting events.
About AOTA
Founded in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) represents the professional interests and concerns of more than 244,500 occupational therapists, assistants, and students nationwide. The Association educates the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing resources, setting professional and educational standards, and serving as an advocate to improve health care. Based in Bethesda, Md., AOTA’s major programs and activities are directed toward promoting the professional development of its members and assuring consumer access to quality services so patients can maximize their individual potential. For more information, go to www.aota.org.