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Wednesday, June 15, 2011
The Cost of Falls Falls are the leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injury for older Americans. Nearly 20,000 older Americans die from fall-related injuries every year. One in three seniors over the age of 65 will fall at least once this year. And falls threaten seniors' safety and independence, while generating upward of $20 billion in medical costs annually. The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the medical costs of falls will more than double within the next nine years, rising to more than $54.9 billion by the year 2020.
Preventing High Medical Costs "Falls are among the most preventable cause of high medical treatment costs among older adults, and ActiveRx is now unveiling a comprehensive screening and proactive therapy program to keep our seniors living independently," says Karen Meyer, PT, DPT, special programs director at ActiveRx Rehabilitation.
"When you consider that there are more than 450,000 people over age 65 in Maricopa County and 150,000 of them are likely to fall this year, we can help prevent a lot of injuries and save a lot of treatment costs," Dr. Meyer adds.
Appointments Now Available ActiveRx is now scheduling Fall Risk Assessment appointments for any Medicare-eligible senior over age 65 at its facilities in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Surprise / Sun City West. Callers may schedule assessments for themselves, parents or loved ones. Enrollment is limited.
Those who are at risk for falling will have the option of enrolling in the Medicare-reimbursed Fall Prevention Program at ActiveRx.
The program will provide intensive one-on-one counseling and therapy with a licensed physical therapist who is specially trained in senior fall prevention.
Leading the Charge Against Falls "The ActiveRx Fall Prevention Program is leading the charge against a national healthcare issue," Dr. Meyer says. "It is different because we emphasize eliminating all factors of balance dysfunction. We create a customized and proactive intervention program for each patient in one-on-one sessions with a specialist," Participants will be screened for any potential fall issues relating to gait, strength, flexibility, inner ear and balance, vision, and other variables that could include fear of falling or behavioral issues.
The Fall Risk Analysis will also include a look at medication management issues because the U.S. Center for Disease Control states that any person who is taking five or more medications is automatically at risk for falling.
Another part of the assessment will be identifying potential environmental hazards in and around the home.
"This program will enable seniors to achieve their optimal state of prevention," Dr. Meyer adds.
Medicare Covers Both Assessment and Therapy Medicare will cover both the ActiveRx Fall Risk Assessment and Fall Prevention Program. No referral from a physician is necessary to enroll, although part of the program involves collaborating with each patient's physician.
To schedule a Fall Risk Assessment for yourself, a family member or friend at any of the three Valley ActiveRx locations, you may call: (602) 242-1909 -- 1530 W. Glendale Ave., Suite 101 in Phoenix (480) 443-0409 -- 7331 E. Osborn Dr., Suite 410 in Scottsdale (623) 544-7138 -- 14780 W. Mountain View Blvd., Suite 109 in Surprise / Sun City West A team of experts with more than 100 years of combined experience in senior injury prevention, rehabilitation and wellness has developed the programs.
Additional information is available online at www.ActiveRx.com.
"We're committed to helping seniors maintain their independence as long as possible, and preventing falls is the best way to ensure a higher quality of life for people 65 years of age and older," says Matt Essex, founder and CEO of ActiveRx. "Contrary to popular belief, falling is not an inevitable result of aging," Essex adds.
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