Smart Safety: Occupational Therapists Work to Address Risk of Falls

Falls are the leading cause of injury and accidental death in adults over the age of 65. According to the National Council on Aging, every 13 seconds, an older adult is treated in an emergency room for an injury related to a fall and every 20 seconds, an older adult dies from a fall.

Falls and the fear of falling can cause decreased independence and disability. Clutter, inappropriate footwear, poor balance, distractions, and tripping hazards can all contribute to a stumble or fall leading to serious injury and even death. Occupational therapy practitioners play an essential role in reducing fall risk by addressing the physical, cognitive, and environmental factors that can lead to a fall.

“Occupational therapists are experts in daily activities. When it comes to falls or fear of falling, they can provide an assessment and offer recommendations to make clients’ home and environment safer,” says Scott A. Trudeau, PhD, OTR/L, Productive Aging and Collaborative Interprofessional Practice Program Manager for the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

AOTA offers the following strategies to reduce your risk of falls:

• Identify and eliminate fall hazards in the home.
• Arrange furniture so that there is plenty of room to maneuver and to create sturdy balance-catching points throughout the home.
• Remove or firmly secure throw rugs.
• Add railings and grab bars in trouble areas.
• Install nonslip strips or rubber mats in tubs and showers and in areas that pose a tripping or slipping risk.
• Add light to dimly lit areas.
• Keep frequently-used items in easily accessible areas. Create a plan for accessing seasonal items stored in hard-to-reach places.
• Consider environmental modifications, assistive technology, or adaptive equipment.
• Consult an occupational therapist for an individualized fall risk assessment.
• Talk to your physician and pharmacist about how medications can affect balance, strength, vision, and fall risk.
• Get an annual eye exam.
• Stay active and participate in regular exercise.
• Maintain a healthy sleep schedule.

The 10^th annual Falls Prevention Awareness Day will be observed Sept. 22, 2017 — the first day of fall. Sponsored by the National Council On Aging (NCOA), this year's theme, “10 Years Standing Together to Prevent Falls” seeks to unite professionals, older adults, caregivers, and family members to play a part in raising awareness and preventing falls in the older adult population.

Occupational therapy is a skilled health, rehabilitation, and educational service that helps people across the lifespan participate in the things they want and need to do through the therapeutic use of everyday activities (occupations). Every day across the U.S., occupational therapy practitioners work with older adults and caregivers to educate them on strategies and behaviors to reduce fall risk and facilitate maximum independence. This may include recommending and using home modifications and assistive technology to support aging in place.

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) offers a video, tip sheets, atoolkit, checklists, and more on preventing falls. For more information, visithttp://www.aota.org/About-Occupational-Therapy/Patients-Clients/Adults.aspx. And to view webinars, videos, and learn more about NCOA’s campaign to prevent falls, visit https://www.ncoa.org/healthy-aging/falls-prevention/falls-prevention-awareness-day/.

Founded in 1917, the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) represents the professional interests and concerns of more than 213,000 occupational therapists, assistants, and students nationwide. The Association educates the public and advances the profession of occupational therapy by providing resources, setting standards including accreditations, 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.