How to prevent falls in your Houston home
Sliding on an unanchored rug or tripping on a power cord might seem harmless to many, but these mishaps can be devastating for seniors. In fact, falls are the No. 1 cause of injury for people over 65. If you are a senior or a family member caring for a parent or grandparent, discover how to prevent falls in your Houston home, and see how modern smart homes can boost safety.
Simple tips to prevent falls
Simple precautions will make a big difference in keeping you or a family member safe. Even so, you also have to take a big-picture approach and evaluate any health-related issues that might raise your fall risk.
- Check your home for hazards. Keep boxes, papers, clothing, and other random items off the floors. Tape down rugs. Ensure hallways and common areas are free of electrical cords.
- Install safety measures. Basic home improvements like safety bars in showers and railings next to stairs can greatly enhance safety. If you have steps, consider supplementing your railings with slip-preventing treads.
- Opt for sensible shoes. Unsupportive slippers, sandals, heels, and worn-out shoes with no tread left raise the risk of falling. Select shoes that fit with proper support and non-skid soles.
Seek advice from medical professionals
Beyond the basics like keeping your floors clear, you need to consider your health and get advice from a medical professional. Several medical conditions and medicines can heighten your fall risk. Keep your normal medical checkups and vision tests, and ensure you understand the potential side effects of your medicines.
Remaining active is also essential to maintain your balance, strength, and flexibility. Stick to a daily exercise routine approved by your doctor. While exercise is crucial, you can also reduce unnecessary activity and make your life easier with a smart home.
Boost convenience and safety with a smart home
Getting up and down constantly to switch lights on or off, lock your door, or adjust your thermostat can be avoided. A smart home can help! Here are some examples how:
- Remote access: Many modern smart homes can be operated by cell phone apps. You can lock your doors, adjust thermostat and lighting levels, and even arm your security from any location.
- Voice control: You don’t even need a smartphone to control your devices! Link your system to a voice assistant, then just say a directive to control tools like locks and thermostats.
- Home automation. Want to make life even more effortless? You can program smart automation actions and allow your components to activate on their own. Set a full scene at day’s end and have your security arm, thermostat adjust, door lock, and lights dim automatically.
In the rare event that you fall, a medical pendant that contacts your smart home monitoring agents can be invaluable. A simple touch of a button can request assistance immediately at times when every moment counts.
Live safer and smarter in your Houston home with Vivint
Lower the risk of falling and enhance your safety with a Vivint home security system in Houston. Smart home tools like voice control and custom automation are perfect for seniors and others with mobility limitations. Add a medical device to your system and get quick access to monitoring specialists whenever you need it. Call (713) 597-3506 to create your system today.