and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We contribute to the management or
avoidance of depression. Depression is an- other risk factor for falls. Being more active helps fight depression by enhancing qual- ity of life. Performing moderate-intensity aerobic activity is also protective against depression. We contribute to the management of cognitive decline. Social isolation may ex- acerbate or make initial cognitive decline more apparent. Aerobic activity, planned and purposeful functional training, and caregiver/family education can lessen the effects of cognitive decline, which elevates fall risk. We consider their nutrition. The body
requires the proper nutrients to build mus- cle strength and the appropriate hydration to avoid falls due to low blood pressure. It also plays a role in pain management. To- day’s economic climate and limited access to food stores likely heighten this issue in older adults. We reduce their fear of movement. Studies
show an older adult afraid of falling will fall more often—and more often sustain fall-re- lated injuries, entering them into the health care system. Less often, an older adult may overestimate their capabilities, which is also dangerous. Building a relationship of trust between a clinician or a family member/ caregiver and an older adult allows slow movement progression to manage fear and help a person understand what they can and cannot safely perform. We fill the current gaps in medical care.
Because of social distancing, many older adults are not receiving routine check-ups, testing, and medication updates. Less insight into their current medical status puts them at increased risk of falling. During this time, we all need to be on the lookout for signs and symptoms we may typically brush aside. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid
Services (CMS) have proposed a 9 percent payment cut for outpatient therapy during this time of public emergency and vulnera- bility for older adults. This cut will undoubt- edly reduce the already limited resources
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of older adults, their families, and care providers. Advocacy efforts are ongoing. If you would like to have your voice heard, please contact your members of Congress and CMS.
More resources The National Council on Aging (NCOA) and its COVID-19 Resource Center provide a number of resources for older adults/ caregivers and professionals:
ncoa.org/ healthy-aging-falls-prevention. On the website, you’ll find a Falls Free
Check-Up, designed to assess an older adult’s risk for falling. “This year during the pandemic, more
than ever, falls prevention is vitally import- ant because so many older people have been at home. Many are not engaging in physical activity, which is leaving them weaker, less balanced, socially isolated, and possibly sad
and depressed, leading to increased risk for falls. The Falls Free Check-Up is an important first step in identifying risk and taking action to avoid a fall and a poten- tial injury like a hip fracture or TBI,” says Kathy Cameron, senior director of NCOA’s Center for Healthy Aging. If your loved one or patient is at risk for falls or desires a more individualized assess- ment you can contact FOX Rehabilitation at 1.877.407.3422. Like everything in life, protecting our old-
er family members or patients is not simple. Social distancing is necessary to limit their exposure to COVID-19 but has unintended consequences that must be considered. If we aren’t pragmatic and nuanced in pro- tecting older adults during the pandemic, they could end up in the exact place they were trying to avoid—but we can help pre- vent that.
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