Senate Special Committee on Aging Issues Report on Preventing Falls

Because ANCOR members support people with disabilities throughout their lifespan, issues within the aging community, such as fall prevention, are also relevant to disability supports. Readers might be interested in a new report by the Senate Special Committee on Aging, which “provides evidence-based recommendations on ways to reduce the risk of falling.  The Committee received input from multiple federal agencies, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, and the Food and Drug Administration. In addition, approximately 200 respondents representing falls prevention advocates, hospitals, community organizations, home health agencies, and others shared their expertise on this issue.

The Aging Committee’s report made recommendations in four key areas:

• Raising awareness about falls-related risks, prevention, and recovery at the national, state, and local levels;

• Improving screening and referrals for those at risk of falling so that individuals receive the preventive care necessary to avoid a fall or recover after one;

• Targeting modifiable risk factors, including increasing the availability of resources for home safety evaluations and modifications, so that older adults can remain in their homes and communities; and

• Reducing polypharmacy so that health care providers and patients are aware of any potential side effects that could contribute to a fall.”