How to prevent falls in your Birmingham home
Slipping on an unanchored rug or stumbling on a power cord could seem harmless to many, but these accidents can be disastrous for seniors. Truth be told, falls are the top cause of injury for people over 65. If you’re a senior or a family member caring for a loved one, learn how to prevent falls in your Birmingham home, and see how innovative smart homes can boost safety.
Check out simple tips for preventing falls
Straightforward precautions will go a long way to keeping you or a loved one protected. Even so, you also have to take a big-picture approach and consider any health-related issues that may elevate your fall risk.
- Look for hazards throughout your home. Keep boxes, papers, clothing, and other belongings off the floors. Secure rugs. Ensure walkways are free of electrical cords.
- Install safety equipment. Basic home improvements like handrails next to stairs and grab bars in showers can make a significant difference. If you use steps, think about supplementing your handrails with slip-preventing treads.
- Opt for sensible footwear. Loose slippers, heels, flip-flops, and worn-out shoes with slippery soles elevate the chance of falls. Find shoes that fit well with solid support and non-slip soles.
Get advice from a medical professional
In addition to the basics like keeping your floors clear, you need to consider your health and consult with a medical professional. Certain health conditions and prescriptions can elevate your fall risk. Keep your regular checkups and vision tests, and make sure you understand the possible side effects of any new medications.
Keeping active is also essential to maintain your strength, balance, and flexibility. Keep to a daily exercise plan approved by your doctor. While exercise is essential, you can also eliminate unnecessary movements and make your life easier with a smart home.
Add convenience and safety with a smart home
Getting up and down repeatedly to turn on the lights, secure your door, or adjust your thermostat is unnecessary and avoidable. A smart home will help! Here’s how:
- Mobile access: Top smart homes are controlled by mobile apps. You can adjust thermostat and light settings, secure your doors, and even arm your system without getting up.
- Voice commands: You don’t even need a smartphone to control your devices! Link your home’s security to a smart speaker, then just verbalize a directive to control devices like lights and locks.
- Custom automation. Want to make life even easier? You can program smart automation actions and let your components operate automatically. Set a full scene at day’s end and have your lights dim, system arm, thermostat adjust, and doors lock simultaneously.
In the rare event that you fall, a medical device that contacts your smart home monitoring team can be invaluable. A simple touch of a button can request support immediately during times when every second matters.
Live smarter and safer in your Birmingham home with Vivint
Decrease the risk of falling and live smarter with a Vivint alarm system in Birmingham. Smart home features like voice commands and home automation are perfect for seniors and other residents with mobility issues. Add a medical alert to your system and get immediate access to monitoring agents whenever you need it. Place a call to (205) 973-4125 to build your system today.