New Medicare-covered Fall Prevention Program For Seniors Unveiled

Main Category: Medicare / Medicaid / SCHIP
Also Included In: Preventive Medicine;  Seniors / Aging
Article Date: 14 Jul 2011 - 1:00 PDT

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ActiveRx Rehabilitation, a Chandler, Arizona-based wellness-oriented rehabilitation company specializing in active aging, is introducing a breakthrough Fall Risk Assessment and Fall Prevention Program for Medicare-eligible senior patients.

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 annually. One in three seniors over the age of 65 will fall at least once this year. And falls generate upward of $20 billion in medical costs per year. 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.

"Falls are a significant threat to active aging, and ActiveRx is leading the charge against this national healthcare issue," says Matt Essex, founder and CEO of ActiveRx.

The ActiveRx Fall Prevention Program provides customized, intensive and proactive one-on-one counseling and therapy with a licensed physical therapist who is specially trained in senior fall prevention.

Participants are screened for potential fall issues relating to gait, strength, flexibility, inner ear and balance, vision, and other variables that could include fear of falling, environmental factors or behavioral issues.

The program also includes 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.

"We're committed to preventing falls that can interfere with one's ability to remain independent," says Dr. Karen Meyer, DPT, special programs director for the three ActiveRx locations in Phoenix, Scottsdale and Surprise.

No referral from a physician is necessary to enroll, although part of the program involves collaborating with each patient's physician.

A team of experts with more than 100 years of experience in senior injury prevention, rehabilitation and wellness has developed the programs.

"ActiveRx is working to keep aging adults functioning at their full potential," Essex adds. "Falling is not an inevitable result of aging."

Source: ActiveRx Rehabilitation

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