Healthy Wealthy & Smart Nikesh Patel, PT: Proactive Solutions for Fall Prevention
In this episode, Dr. Karen Litzy discusses the critical issue of falls among the elderly with Nikesh Patel, PT, a physical therapist and executive director of the Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality and Innovation. They explore alarming statistics on falls, the need for proactive prevention strategies, and the SAFE Act, which aims to address fall risks and improve the quality of life for older adults. The conversation emphasizes the importance of advocacy and the role of physical therapists in preventing falls and promoting independence in aging individuals.
Takeaways
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in people over 65.
· Many falls are preventable, and physical therapists play a key role in prevention.
· The healthcare system is often reactive rather than proactive regarding fall prevention.
· The SAFE Act aims to provide fall risk assessments through physical therapy.
· Therapists are underpaid and need to advocate for better compensation.
· The SAFE Act could be the first legislation to include therapists in preventive care under Medicare.
· Advocacy for the SAFE Act requires storytelling and personal experiences.
· The economic impact of falls extends beyond healthcare costs to workforce participation.
· Aging does not mean losing independence; proactive measures can help maintain it.
· The importance of persistence in advocacy efforts for healthcare legislation.
Chapters
00:00 Understanding the Fall Crisis in America
· 09:59 Proactive Approaches to Fall Prevention
· 20:10 The SAFE Act: A Legislative Solution
· 29:56 Advocacy and the Role of Physical Therapists
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More About Nick:
Working at the intersection of clinical care, public policy, and prevention. Nikesh Patel is a physical therapist and the Executive Director of the Alliance for Physical Therapy Quality & Innovation, also known as APTQI.
APTQI represents organizations committed to improving access to high-quality physical therapy — and right now, they're championing bipartisan legislation in Congress called the Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly Act, or the SAFE Act.
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