As a physical therapist, I know the SAFE Act is key for preventing falls

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Dear Editor:

Did you know that falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related deaths in adults over 65? Somewhere across America, a fall occurs more than once every second. This growing epidemic isn’t only endangering older Americans, but it’s costing our healthcare system $50 billion each year. One solution that can help prevent falls is physical therapy.

As we get older, physical therapy can help us stay strong, mobile, and independent. Physical therapists are falls experts and have the knowledge and tools to assess patients. They can develop tailored treatment plans and help prevent falls from occurring in the first place.

That’s why I’m grateful to Senator Todd Young for sending staff to visit my clinic in Carmel. Seeing firsthand how legislation impacts everyday lives drives effective advocacy forward. Last year, Congress introduced the bipartisan Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly (SAFE) Act (S. 2612/H.R. 1171), which would enable Medicare beneficiaries to access a no-cost falls risk assessment by physical therapists during their annual wellness visit. Now, it’s time for Congress to pass this essential legislation.

Thank you, Senator Young, and I hope after seeing the value of physical therapy in reducing falls, you will co-sponsor this bill.

Aaron Gegg, PT, DPT, OCS, CMTPT
Carmel