Following the U.S. Senate Special Committee on Aging’s May 20 hearing, Preventing Falls, Preserving Independence: Technology, Community Programs, and Innovation in Senior Safety, Argentum submitted testimony for the record underscoring the vital role senior living communities play in keeping older adults safe while preserving independence.
In our testimony, we emphasized that while falls are a leading cause of injury among older adults, they are not fully preventable—and policies should reflect that reality. We stressed that assisted living communities are designed to balance safety with independence, providing environments that support mobility, engagement, and resident choice. This includes intentional building design, such as wider walkways and handrails, and programs that encourage continued movement rather than unnecessary restrictions as overly restrictive interventions can unintentionally increase risk by reducing strength, balance, and confidence.
Our testimony reinforced that fall prevention is not just about reducing incidents, but also about enabling older adults to live with dignity, purpose, and independence. We cautioned against one-size-fits-all approaches as Congress considers next steps, including Older Americans Act reauthorization and future investments in senior safety, and we offered several policy recommendations, to include:
- Support person-centered care models that balance safety and independence
- Encourage innovation in design and technology while preserving resident choice
- Invest in workforce training focused on mobility and individualized care
- Expand access to data and analytics tools for quality improvement
- Recognize assisted living as a key part of the long-term care continuum
The hearing brought bipartisan focus to falls as a major public health issue, with more than 14 million older Americans experiencing a fall each year and fall-related medical costs reaching roughly $80 billion annually. Policymakers examined how community-based programs, new technologies, and federal initiatives can better prevent falls and help seniors remain safe.
A central theme was the need for stronger federal support for evidence-based fall prevention programs, particularly as Congress prepares to reauthorize the Older Americans Act. Witnesses emphasized that current funding is insufficient, even as demand for services continues to grow. The discussion also highlighted the growing role of technology, such as remote monitoring, wearable devices, and AI-enabled tools, in identifying risks earlier and improving response when falls occur. However, policymakers acknowledged that adoption barriers and access challenges remain.