September 22 – 26 is Falls Prevention Awareness Week, a national initiative aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of falls and promoting strategies to prevent them. It is an opportunity for you to discuss the importance of fall prevention with your patients and educate them on safeguarding themselves against potential falls.

Falls are a significant concern for older adults. They not only can lead to serious injuries but also can limit socialization and independence, impact mental health wellness and lead to a decline in physical well-being.

Your Patients Care What You Think

Your patients value your advice, so discussing fall prevention with them can help:

• Increase awareness of potential vulnerabilities and the steps they can take to minimize risks.
• Build trust and empower patients by equipping them with knowledge and practical strategies.
• Prevent injuries, reduce hospitalizations, and improve the quality of life for your patients.

Discussing Falls Prevention

When talking with patients, consider assessing individual risk factors and tailoring advice specific to each patient’s needs, whether it’s about medication management, home safety modifications, or exercise programs designed to improve balance and strength.

Following are more tips for discussion:

• Regular check-ins: Incorporate fall risk assessments into routine visits, especially for older adults or those with a history of falls.
• Educational materials: To ensure recall, provide brochures or digital resources that outline simple steps for fall prevention, such as maintaining a safe environment at home, wearing proper footwear, and engaging in physical activities designed to enhance balance.
• Collaboration: Work with physical therapists, occupational therapists, and community organizations to create a comprehensive fall-prevention plan for your patients. If they have a caregiver, friend or family member, encourage them to engage with any fall risk support plans.

Helpful Resources

The National Council on Aging has toolkits and other resources:

• Falls Prevention Awareness Week Toolkit
• 6 Steps to Help Prevent Falls in Older Adults
• Falls Prevention Awareness Week Social Media Best Practices and Toolkit

Cigna Healthcare^® Medicare Advantage is becoming HealthSpring^SM.Our new benefit plans will be rolled out under the HealthSpring name during the 2025 annual enrollment period. Starting in January 2026, you will begin seeing patients with HealthSpring benefit coverage. Learn more.