How to prevent falls in your Cincinnati home
Tripping on an electrical cord or losing your balance on an unanchored rug could seem inconsequential to many, but these mishaps can be disastrous for seniors. In reality, falls are the No. 1 cause of injury for adults over 65. If you’re a senior or a family member looking after an elderly parent, find tips on how to prevent falls in your Cincinnati home, and see how the latest smart home features can help.
Check out straightforward tips for preventing falls
Straightforward precautions will help a great deal in keeping you or a family member safeguarded. However, you also must take a big-picture approach and evaluate any health conditions that might raise the chance of falls.
- Check your home for hazards. Keep boxes, papers, clothing, and other random objects off the floors. Tape down rugs. Ensure walkways are free of electrical cords.
- Install safety measures. Standard home improvements like grab bars in bathrooms and railings beside stairs can make a big difference. If you use steps, think about supplementing your handrails with non-slip treads.
- Choose the right footwear. Unsupportive slippers, heels, flip-flops, and old shoes with slippery soles increase the chance of falls. Choose shoes that fit with proper support and non-skid soles.
Speak with your doctor
Beyond the simple precautions like keeping your floors clear, you need to assess your health and consult with a healthcare professional. Certain health conditions and medicines can elevate your fall risk. Keep your normal medical checkups and vision exams, and make sure you understand the possible side effects of your medicines.
Remaining active is also important to maintain your balance, strength, and flexibility. Stay on a daily exercise routine approved by your medical provider. While exercise is essential, you can also reduce extra movements and make your life easier with a smart home.
Boost convenience and safety with a smart home
Getting up and down repeatedly to adjust lights, secure your door, or change your thermostat is unnecessary and avoidable. A smart home can help! Here’s what you can do:
- Mobile access: Many modern smart homes can be controlled by cell phone apps. You can secure your doors, adjust lighting and thermostat settings, and even arm your security system without leaving your chair.
- Voice commands: You don’t even need a smartphone to control your devices! Link your home to a smart speaker, then just use your voice to control tools like locks and thermostats.
- Custom automation. Want to make life even more effortless? You can configure smart automation actions and allow your equipment to operate automatically. Set a full scene when you go to bed and have your system arm, thermostat update, door secure, and lights dim on their own.
In the rare event that you fall, a medical alert that contacts your smart home monitoring team can be invaluable. A quick touch of a button can request assistance fast during times when every moment counts.
Stay safe in your Cincinnati home with Vivint
Reduce the chances of falling and increase your safety with a Vivint home security system in Cincinnati. Smart home capabilities like voice commands and custom automation are a great fit for seniors and other people with mobility limitations. Add a medical device to your system and get immediate access to monitoring specialists when you need it most. Call (513) 506-9171 to create your system today.