How to prevent falls in your Albany home
Sliding on an unsecured rug or tripping on a power cord could seem inconsequential to many, but these mishaps can be catastrophic for seniors. In reality, falls are the No. 1 cause of injury for people over 65. If you are a senior or a family member watching over an elderly parent, find tips on how to prevent falls in your Albany home, and see how modern smart homes can make a difference.
Explore tips for preventing falls
Straightforward precautions will go a long way to keeping you or a family member safeguarded. Even so, you also need to look at the bigger picture and think about any health conditions that might make falls more likely.
- Check your home for hazards. Keep boxes, papers, clothing, and other assorted objects off your floor. Tape down rugs. Ensure walkways are free of electrical cords.
- Install safety features. Simple home improvements like railings beside stairs and safety bars in showers can make a significant difference. If you use steps, consider supplementing your railings with non-slip treads.
- Choose sensible footwear. Loose slippers, flip-flops, heels, and old shoes with no tread left increase the risk of falls. Select shoes that fit well with solid support and non-skid soles.
Get advice from a healthcare professional
Aside from the basic precautions like keeping your floors clear, you need to assess your health and seek guidance from a healthcare professional. Certain health complications and medications can elevate your fall risk. Keep your routine healthcare checkups and vision checks, and make sure you understand the possible side effects of new medicines.
Remaining active is also essential to maintain your flexibility, strength, and balance. Stick to a daily exercise regimen approved by your doctor. While exercise is crucial, you can also cut out extra movements and make life easier with a smart home.
Add safety and convenience with a smart home
Getting up and down constantly to switch lights on or off, secure your door, or adjust your thermostat is unnecessary and avoidable. A smart home will help! Here’s what you can do:
- Smartphone access: Leading smart homes can be operated by cell phone apps. You can adjust thermostat and lighting settings, secure your doors, and even arm your security without leaving your chair.
- Voice control: You don’t even need a smartphone to control your devices! Link your home’s security to a smart speaker like Google Home or Amazon Alexa, then just say a directive to control tools like locks and lights.
- Home automation. Want to make life even more effortless? You can configure smart automation actions and allow your equipment to run automatically. Set a scene at the end of the day and have your system arm, thermostat adjust, door secure, and lights dim automatically.
In the worst-case scenario of a fall, a medical device that connects to your smart home monitoring agents can be a lifesaver. A simple touch of a button can request help right away during times when every second counts.
Live smarter and safer in your Albany home with Vivint
Decrease the risk of falling and live smarter with a Vivint alarm system in Albany. Smart home capabilities like voice activation and home automation are perfect for seniors and other residents with mobility issues. Add a medical alert to your system and get instant access to monitoring agents during emergencies. Place a call to (518) 900-7096 to design your system today.