Idaho ranks in top 10 states for fatal falls among elderly

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - Idaho ranks in the top 10 states with the most fatal falls for the elderly. With nearly 23 percent of Idaho seniors living alone, being proactive in preventing falls can make the difference between a minor bump and a debilitating injury.

According to the CDC, 14 million older adults in the U.S. report falling each year. Installing devices such as grab bars in bathrooms and showers could help prevent accidents.

"They also have grab bars for recliners and chairs," Anna Bisharat, the head nurse at The Gables Assisted Living of Idaho Falls, stated. "They can be installed in the chair to help them push off. And they have ones that you can also attach to the side of beds, and that'll help them get in and out of bed and can still keep their personal items close to them."

Grab bars are a great way to still have independence while providing support. They don't just contribute to preventing environmental falls, but health-related falls as well.

"Even blood pressure, we've noticed it will be high then drop, and then it will cause them to fall more," Jennifer Packer, the administrator at The Gables Assisted Living of Idaho Falls, said. "If they're becoming dizzy, get [them] something that can monitor their vitals [and] take their blood pressures daily. If they can, get a blood pressure cuff and look online for normal and out-of-range parameters that they can follow."

Falling is a part of life and can't always be prevented, but providing safety alerts and tools can help keep them from being fatal.

Getting involved in elderly care

You do not need to become a nurse or caretaker to care for the elderly; you can become a volunteer.

Meals on Wheels America does daily meal deliveries Monday through Friday where volunteers frequently check-in on the elderly who receive these services. When a patient has fallen or is injured, the volunteers remain with them until help can arrive. Whether it's an ambulance or emergency contact, the volunteers will ensure they are safe.

They have saved numerous lives with wellness checks and constant visits. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer to deliver meals and check on elderly patients, you can find the volunteer form here.