North Michigan News

Legislation aimed at reducing fall-related injuries among older veterans has been introduced by a bipartisan group of lawmakers, including Rep. Jack Bergman (R-MI-01), Nikki Budzinski (D-IL-13), Lois Frankel (D-FL-22), Jen Kiggans (R-VA-02), and Gus Bilirakis (R-FL-12). The SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act proposes the establishment of an Office of Falls Prevention within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA) and the creation of a falls prevention coordinator role.

The bill seeks to integrate falls prevention programs into VA home modification efforts and establish assessments to identify veterans most at risk. The goal is to prevent injuries and hospitalizations associated with falls, which are notably high among veterans due to their increased number of chronic conditions compared to non-veterans.

The proposed legislation has received endorsements from Disabled American Veterans, the American Physical Therapy Association, and AARP. Congressman Bergman emphasized the importance of proactive care for aging veterans: “The SAFE STEPS for Veterans Act will help drastically enhance the health and quality of life for those at risk of falls while reducing the need for costly recovery programs resulting from these preventable injuries.”

Congresswoman Budzinski highlighted preventative healthcare measures: “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.” She added that this initiative aims to ensure long-term safety and well-being for veterans.

Rep. Frankel pointed out that falls are a leading cause of injury among people over 65: “A new VA effort to keep our Veterans on their feet is important for thousands of senior Veterans.” Congresswoman Kiggans shared her perspective as a geriatric nurse practitioner: “Our elder Veterans are especially vulnerable, and we owe it to them to ensure they’re safe and well cared for after their service.”

Congressman Bilirakis recounted his personal experience with falling: “The risks associated with falling are especially high for seniors over the age of 65.” He noted that millions fall each year in America, resulting in significant medical costs.

Joy Ilem from Disabled American Veterans stated, “Falls are a leading cause of fatal and nonfatal injuries for older Americans,” stressing that dedicated programs can reduce these incidents. Kyle Covington from the American Physical Therapy Association praised the bill's introduction: “The creation of an Office of Falls Prevention within the Department of Veterans Affairs will improve coordination, services, and research aimed at preventing our Veterans from encountering dangerous falls.”

The SAFE STEPS Act includes several key components such as establishing an Office of Falls Prevention within VHA, developing veteran-specific research on evidence-based prevention programs in collaboration with NIH, creating pilot programs incorporating prevention strategies into home modifications, improving patient handling techniques, and requiring screenings for veterans at risk.