Cost of Falls

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other falls research:

• Fourteen million, or 1 in 4 Americans age 65+, falls each year.

• Falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries among older adults.

• In 2021, falls caused 38,000 deaths among those age 65+, and emergency departments reported 3 million visits due to older adult falls.

• The cost of treating injuries caused by falls among older adults is projected to increase to over $101 billion by 2030.

• Among older adults who fall, over half receive care in a hospital; the estimated annual average cost per inpatient visit for falls injuries is $18,658 and $1,112 per emergency department visit.

• Based on data from 2020, the total health care cost of non-fatal older adult falls is $80 billion per year, up from $50 billion in 2015. Sixty-seven percent of fall-related costs are paid for by Medicare, 4% by Medicaid, and 29% is paid privately/out-of-pocket by older adults and families.

• Hazards in the home, including clutter, poor lighting, and lack of supports such as grab bars, can cause falls. Home modifications can address these hazards to reduce falls risk in the home.

• Falls, with or without injury, also carry a heavy quality of life impact.

• A growing number of older adults fear falling and, as a result, limit their activities and social engagements. This can result in further physical decline, depression, social isolation, and feelings of helplessness.