Falls Prevention Awareness Day: How PACE Programs Help Older Adults Age Safely at Home
The Power of Evidence-Based Programs in Keeping Older Adults Healthy and Independent
Key Takeaways
Falls are the leading cause of injuries among older adults, but PACE programs can significantly reduce fall risks and improve overall quality of life. By offering integrated medical care, therapy services, medication management, and home safety support, PACE helps older adults stay healthy, independent, and safely age in their communities.
September 23 marks Falls Prevention Awareness Day, an annual observance dedicated to raising awareness about one of the most significant health risks facing older adults. As the U.S. population continues to age, preventing falls has become an increasingly important priority for health care providers, Medicaid programs, public health agencies, and community organizations.
There are 202 PACE programs serving 94,500 participants in 33 states and the District of Columbia.
(Source: National PACE Association [NPA].)
Falls can have serious consequences for older adults, affecting physical health, emotional well-being, independence, and overall quality of life. Fortunately, many falls are preventable through evidence-based interventions and coordinated care models. The Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) is one such care model. This program focuses on helping older adults remain healthy, independent, and safely living in their communities. Fall prevention is a major focus of PACE, given its disproportionate impact on older adults.
Falls Prevention by the Numbers
According to the National Council on Aging, 25 percent of Americans age 65+ experience a fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults and generate significant costs for individuals, families, health care systems, and Medicaid programs. Each year:
These statistics highlight the importance of proactive falls prevention strategies that support healthy aging and help older adults remain safely at home.
Understanding Fall Risk Factors
Falls are rarely caused by a single issue. Instead, they often result from multiple risk factors, including:
Beyond physical injuries, falls can create a fear of falling that causes older adults to limit activity and social engagement. Over time, this can contribute to reduced mobility, isolation, depression, and loss of independence.
How PACE Supports Falls Prevention and Healthy Aging
PACE is an integrated care model that provides comprehensive medical and supportive services to eligible older adults while allowing them to continue living in their homes and communities. PACE uses interdisciplinary care teams (IDT) that may include physicians, nurses, therapists, social workers, and other specialists who work together to create individualized care plans. This coordinated, person-centered approach helps identify and address fall risks before they lead to serious injuries or hospitalizations.
Key Falls Prevention Services Within PACE
PACE programs support falls prevention through:
Because services are coordinated through a single care team, participants receive proactive support that helps prevent health issues from escalating into emergencies.
Evidence-Based Outcomes That Matter
PACE has gained national recognition for improving outcomes among older adults with complex health and long-term care needs. According to the NPA:
Research also shows that PACE participants often experience improved quality of life, greater stability in physical functioning, and better overall health outcomes. These results demonstrate how coordinated care can help older adults maintain independence while reducing avoidable health care utilization.
Supporting the Future of Aging in Place
As demand for long-term services and supports continues to grow, states and health care organizations are seeking innovative solutions that improve quality while managing costs. PACE offers a proven framework for advancing healthy aging, supporting community-based care, and promoting Medicaid sustainability. Successfully implementing or expanding a PACE program requires careful attention to program design, reimbursement, regulatory compliance, and operational performance.
Related Insights
The Importance of Falls Prevention
Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among older adults and generate significant costs for individuals, families, health care systems, and Medicaid programs. Beyond physical injuries, falls can create a fear of falling that causes older adults to limit activity and social engagement.
experience a fall each year.
Working to Support PACE Programs
At Myers & Stauffer, we work with state Medicaid agencies and public health and human services agencies to evaluate, implement, and strengthen PACE programs. Our team provides the financial, operational, and regulatory expertise needed to support sustainable programs that improve outcomes, reduce risk, and help older adults age safely at home.
Partner With Our Experienced Team
Contact our team to learn how PACE can support your organization’s goals for falls prevention, healthy aging, and high-quality community-based care.
Jared Duzan, CFE
Principal
Email: jduzan@mslc.com
Phone Number: 317-409-4194