N.J. Seniors Face the Highest Risk of Fatal Falls: What Can Be Done
Falls among elderly people are a public health hazard, especially in New Jersey. Over 25% of US seniors will fall this year. Falling more than other Americans puts New Jersey’s elderly at risk.
Seniors can fall and die. Falling can cause hip fractures, severe brain injuries, and mobility loss, reducing quality of life. Falling can hurt you and your family, who may be stressed. Fall injuries cost the U.S. healthcare system $80 billion yearly, even if no one dies.
Major health issues and pain management cause falls. Comfort is difficult for seniors. Over two-thirds of seniors are uncomfortable, studies show. Nearly 30% say they’re usually hurting. Over 75% of Medicare recipients concur.
Painkillers like opioids can aggravate it. Opioids ease pain but can impair balance, slow reactions, and hide mobility issues. Increasing fall risk might induce discomfort, dependency, and further injuries. Seniors often become drug addicts unknowingly. This can impair their health and make independence harder.
Physical and occupational therapy are good preventive measures. Strength, balance, and flexibility address the root reasons of falls and long-term discomfort. Older people’ falls and opioid usage are reduced by physical therapy. They boost health, independence, and medical savings.
Health care rules in New Jersey allow elders to receive physical therapy without a prescription for 30 days. But everyone agrees more must be done. More people could need preventative rehab. Fall costs and stress may decrease, enhancing quality of life.
This is being addressed by the administration. The SAFE Act is supported by NJ legislators of both parties. The bill would allow Medicare beneficiaries to have free fall risk assessments at annual wellness visits. This simple action helps doctors and nurses identify and prevent danger factors. It lowers falls and ER visits.
Planning ahead and accomplishing this is crucial as the older population grows. To keep seniors safe and independent, communities, health care workers, and legislators must collaborate. Physical therapy and support keep New Jersey seniors healthy. It will reduce falls and improve health.
Sources:
National Institutes of Health
Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services
Journal of the American Medical Association