OPINION — Nobody wants to see an older parent, grandparent or loved one suffer the aftermath of a serious fall. Yet for too many families in Arizona, falls happen every day. A simple misstep on a driveway, a loss of balance in the kitchen or a stumble while walking outside can quickly lead to hospitalization, long-term disability and a loss of independence.
Nationwide, falls are the leading cause of injury and injury-related deaths for adults 65 and older. And in the Grand Canyon State — where our older-adult population continues to grow rapidly — almost 30% fall every year.
Thankfully, physical therapists are falls-prevention experts who are uniquely trained to evaluate fall risk and intervene before an injury occurs. Far too often, however, patients only reach us after a fall has happened.
