Promoting Fall Prevention During National Physical Therapy Month

October is National Physical Therapy Month (NPTM), and this year’s theme is Falls and Fall-Related Injury Prevention and Awareness. Falls are a leading cause of injury, especially among older adults, but they affect people of all ages. As home health physical therapists, we have a unique role in preventing these injuries through education, screening, and interventions. 

Why Fall Prevention is Crucial
Every year, millions of people suffer from fall-related injuries, many of which are preventable. Falls can lead to hospitalizations, significant injuries, and a loss of independence. However, with the right education and intervention, many falls can be avoided. Physical therapists are key to reducing fall risks, making fall prevention a vital part of what we do.

Utilize ChoosePT Resources
APTA’s ChoosePT toolkit offers a variety of resources to help you spread awareness and engage with your community. These resources include social media graphics, videos, and handouts focused on fall prevention that you can share with your patients and colleagues. The toolkit is designed to show that falls are preventable and highlight how working with a physical therapist can help individuals reduce their risk of falling and recover from fall-related injuries.

The falls-related ChoosePT graphics and tools are designed to resonate across specialties, whether you work in geriatrics, neurology, pediatrics, or another area. By using these tools, you can amplify this year’s message and promote patient education and personalized fall prevention programs. 

You can download all the resources at apta.org/nptm, making it easy to take part in NPTM.

Promote Fall Prevention Awareness Day
As part of the NPTM efforts, APTA encourages physical therapists to get involved in Fall Prevention Awareness throughout October. Consider conducting fall prevention screens, sharing educational materials with your patients, and meeting with lawmakers to discuss the importance of fall prevention programs and expanding their reach.

One crucial piece of legislation is the SAFE Act (Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly Act) HR 7618. This bill seeks to increase access to fall screening and prevention programs to reduce opioid use that often follows fall-related injuries. By contacting your representatives and advocating for this legislation, you can help bring about real change.

Advocate for Access to Care
Physical therapists play an essential role in preventing falls and improving quality of life, but access to these services isn’t always guaranteed. APTA’s Patient Action Center allows you and your patients to advocate for improved access to physical therapy services by reaching out to lawmakers. This is especially important when it comes to legislation like the SAFE Act, which has the potential to expand care and prevent opioid dependency following falls.

Show the Economic Value of Physical Therapy
Alongside the fall prevention theme, APTA has launched the Economic Value of Physical Therapy campaign. This initiative focuses on how physical therapy not only improves patient outcomes but also reduces healthcare costs. You can join this campaign by using APTA’s materials to educate policymakers, employers, and consumers on the broader benefits of physical therapy. 

Make an Impact
National Physical Therapy Month is the perfect time to show the critical role physical therapists play in preventing falls. By sharing resources, engaging with your community, and advocating for essential legislation, you can make a difference in reducing fall-related injuries. Let’s work together to promote fall prevention during NPTM and beyond. If you are looking to prevent falls for yourself or a loved one, you can check out our physical therapy services or our Live Your Life FALL FREE wellness program.

References
American Physical Therapy Association. National Physical Therapy Month. APTA. Published 2024. Accessed October 21, 2024. https://www.apta.org/national-physical-therapy-month