Falls Prevention Awareness Week
This Falls Prevention Week, September 21-25 (coinciding with the first day of meteorological fall), explore these resources to inform your practice.
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, falls are the leading cause of injury in adults aged 65 and older. Occupational therapy practitioners play a tremendous role in preventing falls from occurring and minimizing risk. This Falls Prevention Week, September 21-25 (coinciding with the first day of meteorological fall), explore these resources to inform your practice.
Resources from the American Journal of Occupational Therapy
Access these falls prevention articles from the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT) this Falls Prevention Awareness Week.
- The Stroll Safe Outdoor Falls Prevention Program: Participant Experiences in Naturally Occurring Retirement Community Program Sites
- Fall Prevention Model at a Local Nonprofit Equipment Exchange Program Utilizing the STEADI: A Compilation of Two Pilot Studies
- Interventions Within the Scope of Occupational Therapy to Address Preventable Adverse Events in Inpatient and Home Health Postacute Care Settings: A Systematic Review
Bills highlight occupational therapy's role in preventing falls
Occupational therapy’s essential role in preventing falls among older adults and veterans recently has been highlighted in Congress. Two bipartisan bills—the SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act and the SAFE Act—demonstrate this growing support by proposing expanded access to OT-led interventions through the Department of Veterans Affairs and Medicare. These legislative efforts aim to reduce injuries, promote independence, and improve quality of life for aging populations.
Digital badge and micro credential
Earn a micro credential or digital badge by completing courses on falls prevention.
Additional resources
- 2025 National Falls Prevention Action Plan and National Falls Prevention Impact Reports (National Council on Aging)
- Listen to "Fall Prevention with Occupational Therapist Dr. Scott Trudeau," AOTA Director of Practice Engagement (Alliance for Aging Research)
- Read "Falls Prevention Is a Team Effort" and “Delivering Home Modifications that Meet Older Adults’ Needs” (National Council on Aging)