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Why We Should Treat Falls Like Other Chronic Conditions

And Comparing Interventions Between Falls and Heart Failure

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Bob Mirsky, MD, FAAFP
Chief Medical Officer, Nymbl

In our last post, we proved that falls meet the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) criteria for chronic conditions. But, would viewing falls as a chronic condition allow us to more effectively understand the impact and associated effects of falls in the way we understand other chronic conditions (like Congestive Heart Failure)?

At Nymbl, we believe this is the route to truly mitigating the problem of falls - treating falls at the population level, with intervention provided as soon as risk factors arise (i.e. declining balance). In our new Balance and Aging report, we show that this approach would enable us to prevent future falls and the eventual loss of independence brought by recurrent falls. 

Within the report, we compare the progression of a heart failure patient to the progression of a faller. The case study points to key similarities and differences between the evolution of the two conditions - begging the question: why don’t we look at falls the same way as heart failure?

Progression of Falls vs. Heart Failure

falls vs heart failure

 

As the table shows, when a faller enters the high-risk category (after experiencing an injurious fall), they face a progression similar to that of a heart failure patient.

Interventions for heart failure are provided as soon as indicators of the condition arise. While early treatment slows the progression of heart failure, it does not prevent an eventual loss of independence. It only delays higher costs until patients are permanently hospitalized. 

On the other hand, intervention is rarely provided to fallers until 12 months after a serious fall occurs. Costs are ongoing and continue to escalate as declining quality of life gives way to full loss of independence.

The primary distinction between the two conditions is that early intervention can truly prevent falls and rising costs of care.

“Implementing a single [falls] intervention could prevent between 9,563–45,164 medically treated falls and avert $94–$442 million in direct medical costs annually.”1

This is especially relevant considering that the annual total cost per member related to falls claims ($37,734) is almost the same as that of congestive heart failure ($37,382). 

In Nymbl’s Balance and Aging report, we dive deeper into the cost of falls and how we treat falls as a chronic condition. Nymbl reduces falls for high risk fallers and prevents would-be fallers from entering the high risk category through early intervention. 

 “Falls in turn diminish function by causing injury, activity limitations, fear of falling, and loss of mobility.”2

By intervening early (before an older adult experiences their first injurious fall), Nymbl is able to prevent the diminished mobility and rising costs of care that follow injurious falls.

Learn how Nymbl delivers 3:1 ROI → 

Sources:

  1. Stevens JA, Lee R. The Potential to Reduce Falls and Avert Costs by Clinically Managing Fall Risk. Am J Prev Med. 2018 Sep;55(3):290-297. doi: 10.1016/j.amepre.2018.04.035. PMID: 30122212; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6103639/.
  2. Institute of Medicine (US) Division of Health Promotion and Disease Prevention; Berg RL, Cassells JS, editors. The Second Fifty Years: Promoting Health and Preventing Disability. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 1992. 15, Falls in Older Persons: Risk Factors and Prevention. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK235613/.

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In a recent report from AARP, it's clear that older adults are not just catching up with technology—they're embracing it. The report reveals a significant shift in attitudes towards technology among individuals ages 50+, signaling a new era of tech-savviness in this demographic.

On the flip side, nearly two-thirds (64%) of adults ages 50+ feel that today’s technology isn’t tailored to their needs, according to the same AARP report.

Key Takeaways Include:

    1. Tech Adoption on the Rise: Gone are the days when older adults shied away from technology. Today, they're increasingly recognizing the benefits and convenience that tech tools offer.
    2. Changing Mindsets: The report sheds light on the evolving attitudes towards technology among older adults, showcasing a growing willingness to embrace new gadgets and integrate them seamlessly into their daily routines.
    3. Enhancing Life with Tech: From staying connected with loved ones to managing healthcare needs and beyond, technology is viewed as a valuable tool for enhancing various aspects of life for older adults.
    4. A Shift Towards Tech-Savviness: With older adults becoming more adept at navigating the digital landscape, the findings suggest a promising trend towards greater tech fluency in this age group.
    5. Opportunity For a More Inclusive Approach: The findings underscore the need for a more inclusive approach to tech, such as product design, support, and education, to better serve older adults.

Nymbl was created specifically as a digital program for older adults. 

 

Drawing from extensive research and collaborating closely with experts in gerontology, physical therapy, and cognitive science, Nymbl designs exercises and activities that prioritize safety, effectiveness, and enjoyment. 

Programs are personalized to accommodate varying fitness levels and abilities, with a focus on progressions and adaptive challenges.

By integrating evidence-based approaches, Nymbl empowers older adults to maintain or improve balance and mobility while fostering confidence and a sense of accomplishment in their health journey.

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Nymbl exists to remove physical and emotional barriers and help older adults move, live, and be how they want.

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