Research

Fall Statistics

• Falls are a serious public health concern among adults in the United States. 

• Fourteen million, or 1 in 4 Americans age 65+ fall each year.1

• Falls are the leading cause of fatal or non-fatal injuries among older adults.1 

• In 2021, falls caused 38,000 deaths among those age 65+ and emergency departments reported 3 million visits due to older adult falls.1

• Falls are PREVENTABLE

Fall Costs

• The cost of treating injuries caused by falls among older adults is projected to increase to over $101 billion by 2030.2

• Among older adults who fall, over half receive care in a hospital; the estimated annual average cost per inpatient visit for falls injuries is $18,658 and $1,112 per emergency department visit.2

• Based on data from 2020, the total health care cost of non-fatal older adult falls is $80 billion per year, up from $50 billion in 2015. Sixty-seven percent of fall-related costs are paid for by Medicare, 4% by Medicaid, and 29% is paid privately/out-of-pocket by older adults and families.2

• Occupational therapists provide a holistic and individualized approach to home safety by assessing and evaluating the person-environment-occupation relationship to best promote functional independence and safety. 

• Education, training and evaluation of home safety hazards conducted by occupational therapists results in favorable changes in bodily pain, vitality, social functioning, mental health, mental function, life satisfaction and quality of life. 3 

• Following occupational therapy, nursing, and home modification improvements, older adults saw an improvement in their performance of daily activities and symptoms of depression. 4 

• Home safety evaluations and home modification recommendations conducted by occupational therapists are associated with decreased hospitalization readmission rates. 5

• The United States has a rapidly growing older adult population, with one in five Americans anticipated to be over the age of 65 by 2030.6 

• Aging in Place is the ability to remain in one's own home and community as one ages, with access to the necessary support and services to maintain quality of life. 

• 86% of adults aged 65 or older reported wanting to age in place, or stay in their own homes for as long as possible.6

• Research shows aging in place is linked to several health benefits including improved quality of life, reduced healthcare costs, and increased social connectedness.6 

• Home-based interventions involving occupational therapy, nursing, and home modifications address the challenges of aging and works with clients to develop goal and action plans to improve health, independence, and safety. 

• Aging in place programs have been shown to improve quality of life and safety, and reduce hospitalizations and nursing home admissions. Interventions are cost-effective, with participants in the CAPABLE program demonstrating an approximate savings of $10,000 per client per year in healthcare costs.6