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Funding to prevent falls?

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Think falling down isn't a public policy issue? According to the CDC, fall-related injuries result in over $30 billion per year nationally in medical costs--a total expected to rise to roughly $67 billion by 2020. That's already nearly as much as the total expenditures on cancer treatment in the US.

Adults over the age of 85 suffer fall-related injuries at higher rates, and the injuries are also more common among low-income seniors.

In some states, lawmakers have funded fall education-based prevention programs to try to limit or reduce such injuries. Other local governments have started funding home visits by occupational therapists who can identify possible updates or changes that could decrease the chances of a fall.

Supporters of offering rebates to low-income seniors for home improvements argue that the cost of updates such as installing first-floor bathrooms or improving poor lighting would be made up by a reduction in medical expenses. They note that in addition to direct medical costs, a fall can also sometimes mean that a senior can no longer live alone, adding additional long-term care costs to the overall bill.

Opponents counter that it is the responsibility of seniors themselves and family members to ensure that living environments are safe, and express concern that a fall prevention program would be a burden on taxpayers or subject to abuse.

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