Your Fall Prevention Care Team

info

Why a care team matters

Falls among older adults cause 3 million emergency room visits per year in the United States — and most are preventable. The CDC's STEADI framework identifies three evidence-based intervention points: medication review, exercise for balance and strength, and home modification. Each of those belongs to a different member of your care team. Knowing who to talk to — and what to ask — is the first step.

The Three Core Roles

stethoscope

Primary Care Physician

Your PCP is the coordinator of fall prevention. They can order a formal fall risk assessment, review your medications for fall-risk drugs (Beers Criteria), check your vitamin D levels (deficiency increases fall risk), and refer you to physical therapy for a balance evaluation.

What to ask at your next visit

chevron_right"Can you review my medications for fall risk using the Beers Criteria?"

chevron_right"Should I have my vitamin D level checked?"

chevron_right"Can you refer me to a physical therapist for a balance assessment?"

self_improvement

Physical Therapist

A PT is the most specialized member of your fall prevention team. They can assess your gait, balance, and strength using standardized tests (the Timed Up and Go test is a standard screen), prescribe an individualized exercise program, recommend assistive devices, and perform a home safety visit covered by Medicare.

What to ask at your first visit

chevron_right"Can you do a home safety assessment — is that covered by Medicare?"

chevron_right"What is my Timed Up and Go score?"

chevron_right"Which exercises should I be doing every day for balance?"

medication

Pharmacist

Pharmacists are underutilized in fall prevention. They can review all of your medications — including over-the-counter drugs — for fall-risk interactions and side effects, identify drugs on the Beers Criteria list, and suggest safer alternatives to discuss with your doctor. Many pharmacies offer free Medication Therapy Management (MTM) reviews for Medicare patients.

What to ask your pharmacist

chevron_right"Do any of my medications increase my fall risk?"

chevron_right"Am I eligible for a Medication Therapy Management review?"

chevron_right"Are any of my OTC medications — like Benadryl — on the Beers Criteria list?"

home_work

Professional Home Safety Assessment — Covered by Medicare

Many people don't know that Medicare Part B covers an in-home safety assessment performed by a physical therapist for beneficiaries who are homebound or who have had a recent fall or hospitalization. A PT will walk through your home with you, identify specific hazards, recommend modifications, and provide a written action plan. This typically requires a referral from your PCP.

What's typically included

checkBathroom safety review and grab bar recommendations
checkBedroom and hallway walkthrough
checkStair safety assessment
checkAssistive device fitting (cane, walker)
checkWritten recommendations for your care team

How to request one

1.Ask your PCP for a referral to a PT for "home safety assessment and fall risk reduction"
2.Confirm Medicare Part B coverage with the PT practice before the visit
3.Have your assessment results from fallrisks.com ready to share

co-op.care

Get a trained companion caregiver involved

co-op.care provides trained companion caregivers in the Boulder, CO area who can assist with home safety modifications, accompany you to PT appointments, coordinate with your care team, and provide ongoing daily support. Worker-owned and physician-backed.

Learn about co-op.care →