Occupational therapists are uniquely positioned to have a positive impact on a patient’s risk for a fall. Occupational therapists are trained to assess and recommend interventions across physical, environmental, and behavioral domains. OTs are observant and creative, with the skills and clinical experience to recommend smart and safe solutions for patients. What ways can you advocate, educate and participate during th Falls Prevention Week?

Advocate

• Post and repost falls prevention stories across your social media accounts
• Write your elected officials about additional funding for prevention efforts
• Share your fall prevention success stories on the National Council on Aging site

Educate

• Take a training on falls prevention
• Read the latest research survey on the OT interventions to prevent falls
• Download some fact sheets from the National Council on Aging to post at work

Participate

• Organize a falls prevention workshop at a senior center
• Meet with caregivers about falls prevention strategies
• Team up with first responders in your area to provide falls training – see the National Council on Aging website for ideas.

With the world’s population aging, fall prevention is becoming increasingly important. While maintaining independence is the goal of most patients, falling can be the end of a person’s independence. So, OTs everywhere should take some time this week to prevent a fall.