Congressman Bill Foster Visits Smith Physical Therapy+ to Discuss the SAFE Act (H.R.1171) and Fall Prevention for Older Adults

Crystal Lake, IL – Smith Physical Therapy+ had the honor of welcoming Congressman Bill Foster to their downtown Crystal Lake clinic. Joining the Congressman for the visit were Crystal Lake Fire Chief Craig Snyder and members of the PT staff from Smith Physical Therapy+. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the Stopping Addiction and Falls for the Elderly Act, or the SAFE Act (H.R. 1171), aimed at expanding and increasing access to falls screening and prevention in order to reduce the use of opioids that often occur as a result of a fall. The discussion highlighted the importance of fall risk assessments and prevention programs, along with the challenges and outcomes from falls observed from both the Crystal Lake Fire Rescue and physical therapy perspectives. Congressman Foster even had the opportunity to participate in balance simulations, experiencing firsthand the types of assessments and interventions used to help reduce fall risk in older adults.

“Falls represent one of the most significant health risks to our aging population,” said Denise Smith, PT, owner of Smith Physical Therapy+. “The SAFE Act emphasizes proactive measures that can help people stay independent and safe, while also reducing the cascade of health issues that often follow a serious fall.” 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than one in four older Americans experience a fall each year. Falls are the leading cause of injury-related death in this population, with one older adult dying every 19 minutes as a result. In Crystal Lake, the concern is especially urgent. By 2026, an estimated 65% of residents will be over the age of 65, but already, the impact is evident. This year alone, nearly 1 in 5 emergency calls in Crystal Lake have been fall-related, according to Fire Chief Craig Snyder. Out of approximately 5,000 calls to the Crystal Lake Fire Department this year, more than 750 have been for falls and 150 for lift assists. These numbers highlight the critical need for community-wide fall prevention programs and accessible resources for older adults.

Beyond the human toll, falls create a significant economic burden. According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, approximately $50 billion is spent each year on medical costs related to older-adult falls. For non-fatal falls, Medicare is the top payer spending approximately $29 billion annually. Looking ahead, the National Council of Aging projects the cost of treating injuries from older-adult falls to exceed $101 billion by 2030, underscoring the urgent need for effective fall prevention education and programming.

Smith Physical Therapy+ expressed its full support of H.R. 1171 to Congressman Foster, and emphasized the importance of local access to balance screenings and fall-prevention programs. As Smith explained, “This legislation reinforces what we are already doing here in Crystal Lake. Our Balance Center and our Strong programs are geared specifically to the older population, and we are dedicated to helping people build and maintain the strength and stability they need to stay steady and confident as they age. With greater support, we can reach more people and help prevent unnecessary suffering and economic distress in our community and beyond.”

To learn more about our fall prevention programs, please visit our website at www.smithptplus.com or call us directly at 815-893-9075.