Risk of falling still barrier to aging-in-place
Medical Guardian
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Jan 09, 2025
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A recent study by the U.S.
Government Accountability Office (GAO), found that while federal agencies
have programs designed to prevent falls or improve accessibility for older
adults and those with disabilities, the programs:
- serve
a limited number of people,
- may
not be helping those who need it most, and
- Fail
to share information.
For example, the study found that adults with disabilities
between the ages of 45 and 59 reported fall injuries at higher rates than those
60 and up. However, CDC analysis of data on falls focuses on older adults
only.
According to CDC, falls were the leading cause of death
from unintentional injury among older adults in 2020. They cost billions of
dollars in medical expenses. However, studies also show that assessing and
modifying the home environment or using other interventions can help prevent
falls.
Currently programs provide home safety assessments,
railings, ramps, exercise programs and more. However, GAO says that these
federal programs are not doing a good enough job sharing their findings and
other information. It also recommended the CDC examine falls data for adults of
various ages.
- To view the original version of this article visit www.medicalguardian.com/medical-alert-blog/current-events/risk-of-falling-still-barrier-to-aging-in-place
- Seniors Blue Book was not involved in the creation of this content.
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