[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 148 (Thursday, September 29, 2016)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6256-S6257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RESOLUTIONS SUBMITTED TODAY

  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate 
now proceed to the en bloc consideration of the following Senate 
resolutions, which were submitted earlier today: S. Res. 591, S. Res. 
592, S. Res. 593, and S. Res. 594.
  There being no objection, the Senate proceeded to consider the 
resolutions en bloc.


                              S. RES. 593

  Ms. COLLINS. Mr. President, I rise today as the chairman of the 
Senate Aging Committee to speak about the bipartisan resolution I have 
introduced with Senator McCaskill designating September 22, 2016--the 
first day of the fall season--as National Falls Prevention Awareness 
Day. The purpose of this designation is to better educate seniors, 
families, and caregivers--as well as government and civic 
organizations--about the practices, programs, and policies that can be 
taken to reduce the risk of falls.
  Falls are the leading cause of both fatal and nonfatal injuries among 
older adults. Older adults are the fastest-growing segment of the U.S. 
population, and the number is projected to increase from 46.2 million 
in 2014 to 82.3 million in 2040. As more Americans age, falls will 
become even more numerous and costly than they are now.
  In 2014, approximately 2.8 million older Americans were treated in 
emergency rooms after falling, and more than 800,000 were subsequently 
hospitalized. Tragically, more than 27,000 of them died as a result of 
their injuries.
  The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention puts these 
staggering statistics in a context that really brings the problem home: 
one out of every three seniors falls each year; every 13 seconds, a 
senior is treated in an emergency room for a fall; every 20 seconds, a 
senior dies from a fall.
  In addition to the human toll, these falls generate enormous economic 
costs. The annual total direct medical cost of fall-related injuries 
for older adults is approximately $34 billion. As more members of the 
baby boomer generation reach retirement age, these costs could nearly 
double within the next 5 years.
  Beyond the pain, suffering, and expense, falls can affect a senior's 
ability to live independently and can lead to a compromised quality of 
life, and thus to isolation and depression. Many people who fall, even 
if they are not injured, can develop a fear of falling. This may cause 
them to limit their activities, resulting in reduced mobility and 
physical activity.
  As a Senator representing the state with the oldest median age, I am 
especially concerned that Maine is eighth in the Nation in the 
percentage of seniors who suffer falls. Seniors in Maine who fall 
experience an average medical cost of approximately $16,000, according 
to the most recent statistics available. Fortunately, there are many 
organizations throughout Maine, including several Area Agencies on 
Aging, which provide important fall awareness programs, such as risk 
assessments, and exercise and balance programs.
  Our resolution urges relevant Federal, State, and local organizations 
to work to help educate seniors about ways they can reduce the risks 
that may result from a fall, including injury and even death. The 
resolution also recognizes that evidence-based programs reduce falls by 
utilizing cost-effective strategies, such as exercise programs, 
medication management, vision improvement, reduction of home hazards, 
and fall prevention education.

[[Page S6257]]

Family members and other caregivers can also help seniors evaluate 
their homes for fall-inducing hazards and modify their living space 
with adequate lighting and assistive devices, such as grab bars in the 
shower or tub, to help ensure a safe environment.
  There are more steps we can take. The costs of even minor 
modifications like grab bars and hand rails can add up quickly, while 
more expensive projects such as widening doorways or installing a ramp 
are financially unrealistic for far too many seniors. Several existing 
Federal programs can help seniors make these needed modifications to 
their homes, but few seniors are aware of them. To address this issue, 
I have joined Senators King and Ayotte in sponsoring S. 3230, the 
Senior Home Modification Assistance Initiative Act, which would improve 
awareness and better coordinate existing Federal programs.
  Falling is not an inevitable consequence of aging. Practical 
lifestyle adjustments, evidence-based prevention programs, community 
partnerships, and continued research are among the tools available to 
reduce falls. Fall-related injuries have a devastating impact on the 
lives of our seniors, their families, and their communities. Our goal 
is to unite professionals, older adults, caregivers, and family members 
so that they might all play a part in raising awareness and preventing 
falls.
  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
resolutions be agreed to, the preambles be agreed to, and the motions 
to reconsider be laid upon the table en bloc.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The resolutions were agreed to.
  The preambles were agreed to.
  (The resolutions, with their preambles, are printed in today's Record 
under ``Submitted Resolutions.'')
  Mr. McCONNELL. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. CORKER. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

                          ____________________