Falls Prevention Awareness Week
Occupational therapy practitioners are key to addressing this national public health concern.
Use these resources to help inform your practice and learn how occupational therapy can assist with this issue.
AJOT resources
CALLING THE OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY COMMUNITY: Access these falls prevention resources from the American Journal of Occupational Therapy (AJOT) from September 22-28
- 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
New bills highlight OT role in preventing falls
Congress is increasingly acknowledging the vital role occupational therapy (OT) plays in preventing falls among older adults and veterans. 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 digital badge or micro credential badge by completing courses on falls prevention
Additional resources
- 2025 National Falls Prevention Action Plan (National Council on Aging) - Developed through an intensely collaborative process among NCOA, a steering committee of falls prevention leaders, which included Scott Trudeau, AOTA's Director of Practice Engagement, and input from professionals and providers.
- 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" (National Council on Aging)