One U.S. representative from Illinois is co-leading a bipartisan effort to fund preventative care for veterans from falling.
Congresswoman Nikki Budzinski (D-IL) is working with a group of representatives to prevent veterans from falling in their homes.U.S. Rep. Robin Kelly enters race to replace Durbin
Some of the functions of the bill include developing more veterans-based research for fall prevention and creating a report on the new fall prevention initiatives, as well as creating an Office of Falls Prevention.
“Preventative health care measures give our nation’s veterans a healthier, more resilient future,” said Congresswoman Budzinski. “The SAFE STEPS Act reflects our commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by older veterans, who are at a higher risk of serious falls and their consequences. By establishing an Office of Falls Prevention and integrating effective programs into VA home modification efforts, we aim to reduce the incidence of falls and the associated high costs. Our veterans deserve the best care and support, and this legislation will help ensure their long-term safety and wellbeing.”
Rep. Lois Frankel (D-FL), Rep. Jen Kiggans (R-VA), Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI), and Rep. Gus Bilirakis (R-FL) are leading the legislation with Budzinski.
Other organizations that support the bill include AARP, Disabled American Veterans and the American Physical Therapy Association.‘What they have given for us will never be in vain’: Illinois’ fallen officers honored at ceremony
Officials note approximately one million hospitalizations annually among older adults are related to falls. They can be caused by a variety of different factors, including balance issues, vitamin D deficiency, hearing issues, vitamin D deficiency, hearing issues, vision issues, hazards in the home and lower body weakness.
Because of falls, research shows the healthcare expenditure for non-deadly falls was estimated to be $80 billion with the majority paid by Medicare.
An estimated $80 billion a year is spent on direct medical costs for falls among older adults, up from $50 billion a decade ago. Falls are caused by a variety of risk factors, such as lower body weakness, balance issues, vitamin D deficiency, hearing issues, vision issues, use of certain medications and/or home hazards. Twenty percent of these falls result in serious injuries, with approximately 1 million fall-related hospitalizations among older adults each year.
