Fall Prevention Awareness Month: Clinical Strategies for PTs and OTs

Why Fall Prevention Awareness Month Matters

Every September, Fall Prevention Awareness Month serves as a national reminder of the impact that falls have on older adults—and the important role healthcare professionals play in reducing this risk. For physical therapists (PTs) and occupational therapists (OTs), this month is an opportunity to spotlight strategies that improve balance, mobility, and confidence for individuals at risk.

Falls are not just a byproduct of aging—they’re often the result of modifiable risk factors. PTs and OTs are well-positioned to assess and address those risks through personalized care plans that include exercise, education, and environmental adjustments. This article outlines how therapists can use Fall Prevention Awareness Month to assess fall risk, educate patients and families, and support safety, confidence, and independence.

1. Understanding the Scope of the Problem

Falls are a leading cause of injury and hospitalizations among older adults. While the immediate consequences of a fall can be serious, the longer-term impact—loss of independence, fear of falling, social withdrawal—is equally important.

Research shows that falling once significantly increases the chances of falling again. Many individuals reduce activity out of fear, which accelerates deconditioning and further increases risk.

Key statistics:

• Direct medical costs related to falls exceeded $50 billion in 2015 and are expected to rise significantly

These data reinforce the need for proactive screening, patient education, and interdisciplinary fall prevention strategies led by rehabilitation professionals.

2. Screening and Assessment Tools for Therapists

During Fall Prevention Awareness Month, therapists can revisit and apply validated tools to identify individuals at increased risk of falling. These assessments provide a foundation for targeted treatment and help demonstrate clinical outcomes over time.

Common fall risk assessments include:

• Timed Up and Go (TUG) Test: Measures basic mobility skills and fall risk in older adults. A score ≥13.5 seconds indicates higher risk.

• 30-Second Chair Stand Test: Assesses lower-body strength, which is directly linked to fall risk.

• Berg Balance Scale: Evaluates functional balance through 14 simple tasks.

• Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale: Assesses psychological readiness and fear of falling³

• Short Falls Efficacy Scale (FES-I): Measures concerns about falling during various daily activities through 7 questions.

These tools help clinicians build individualized treatment plans that address the specific deficits contributing to instability or loss of balance.

3. Interventions That Support Fall Prevention

Once a fall risk has been identified, the next step is to implement targeted interventions. PTs and OTs play a collaborative role in improving safety through both direct treatment and education.

Physical therapy interventions:

• Gait training to improve walking mechanics and confidence

• Balance and proprioception exercises to retrain sensory systems

• Strength training focused on the lower extremities and core

• Assistive device training to support safe mobility

Occupational therapy interventions:

• Environmental modification recommendations such as lighting, grab bars, and removal of trip hazards

• Task modification strategies to reduce risk during daily activities

• Home safety assessments that address layout, flooring, and bathroom hazards

• ADL retraining with a focus on safety, energy conservation, and confidence

In both inpatient and outpatient settings, interdisciplinary collaboration between PTs and OTs leads to improved outcomes. Fall prevention is most effective when physical capacity and daily function are addressed in tandem.

4. Education and Outreach Opportunities

Fall Prevention Awareness Month is not just about clinical intervention—it’s also about empowering patients, families, and communities with knowledge and resources.

Education strategies:

• Offer community workshops on balance training, exercise, or home safety

• Provide fall prevention handouts and STEADI educational materials

• Promote home exercise programs that can be continued independently

• Encourage family involvement in modifying the home and supporting adherence

Therapists can also use social media, newsletters, or local partnerships (such as senior centers or YMCAs) to extend their reach during the month of September.

Therapists can also promote open conversations about fall concerns. Normalizing these discussions helps reduce stigma and empowers older adults to seek support before a fall occurs.

Sustaining Fall Prevention Efforts Beyond Awareness Month

The value of Fall Prevention Awareness Month lies in its ability to focus attention, but sustainable fall prevention requires ongoing clinical integration. PTs and OTs play a pivotal role in identifying at-risk individuals, designing effective interventions, and educating patients and families.

By embedding fall risk assessments into care pathways, providing evidence-based treatment, and extending outreach beyond the clinic walls. Therapists can help more individuals achieve their goals, stay active, and feel more confident on their feet.

References

1. Florence, C.S. et al. "Medical Costs of Fatal and Nonfatal Falls in Older Adults." J Am Geriatr Soc. 2018; https://agsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jgs.15304