How to prevent falls in your Fort Smith home
Stumbling on an electrical cord or sliding on a loose rug might seem minor to many, but they can be catastrophic for seniors. In fact, falls are the top cause of injury for residents over 65. If you’re a senior or a family member caring for an elderly parent, find tips on how to prevent falls in your Fort Smith home, and see how innovative smart home features can make a difference.
Explore tips for preventing falls
Straightforward precautions will make a big difference in keeping you or your loved one safeguarded. Even so, you also must broaden your scope and evaluate any health-related issues that could elevate your fall risk.
- Check for hazards throughout your home. Keep boxes, papers, clothing, and other objects off the floors. Anchor rugs. Ensure hallways and common areas are free of power cords.
- Install safety equipment. Basic home improvements like grab bars in showers and handrails next to stairs can significantly improve safety. If you use steps, supplement your railings with non-slip treads.
- Choose sensible shoes. Unsupportive slippers, heels, flip-flops, and worn-out shoes with smooth soles increase the risk of falling. Select shoes that fit well with proper support and non-slip soles.
Get advice from a medical professional
In addition to the simple precautions like keeping objects off your floors, you need to assess your health and consult with a medical professional. Some health conditions and prescriptions can elevate your fall risk. Keep your routine healthcare appointments and vision exams, and ensure you understand the potential side effects of your medicines.
Keeping active is also vital to maintain your balance, strength, and flexibility. Stick to a regular exercise regimen approved by your healthcare provider. While exercise is essential, you can also reduce unnecessary movements and make your life more convenient with a smart home.
Boost safety and convenience with a smart home
Repeatedly getting up and down to switch lights on or off, lock your door, or reset your thermostat is unnecessary and avoidable. A smart home can help! Here’s how:
- Remote access: Top smart homes can be controlled by smartphone apps. You can turn lights off or on, reset your thermostat, secure your door, and even arm your system without leaving your chair.
- Voice commands: You don’t even need your phone to control your smart home! Connect your system to a smart speaker like Google Home or Amazon Alexa, then just say a directive to control tools like locks and lights.
- Custom automation. Want to make life even easier? You can program home automation actions and let your components activate automatically. Set a scene at day’s end and have your lights lower, security arm, thermostat update, and doors secure on their own.
In the worst-case scenario of a fall, a medical device that links to your smart home monitoring specialists can be critical. A quick touch of a button can summon support right away during times when each moment matters.
Stay safe in your Fort Smith home with Vivint
Reduce the risk of falling and enhance your safety with a Vivint alarm system in Fort Smith. Smart home capabilities like voice control and home automation are a great fit for seniors and others with mobility issues. Add a medical device to your smart home and get instant access to monitoring specialists when you need it most. Place a call to (479) 370-4503 to design your system today.