How to prevent falls in your Kalamazoo home
Losing your balance on an unanchored rug or tripping on a power cord may seem minor to many, but these accidents can be devastating for seniors. Truth be told, falls are the No. 1 cause of injury for people over 65. If you’re a senior or a family member looking after a parent or grandparent, discover how to prevent falls in your Kalamazoo home, and see how innovative smart homes can make a difference.
Simple tips to prevent falls
Straightforward precautions will go a long way to keeping you or your loved one safe. However, you also must look at the bigger picture and think about any health conditions that might raise your fall risk.
- Check for hazards throughout your home. Keep clothing, papers, boxes, and other items off the floor. Secure rugs. Ensure walking areas are free of power cords.
- Install safety equipment. Standard home improvements like railings beside stairs and support bars in bathrooms can significantly improve safety. If you use steps, supplement your handrails with non-slip treads.
- Opt for sensible shoes. Loose slippers, heels, flip-flops, and old shoes with smooth soles increase the risk of falls. Select options that fit well with proper support and non-skid soles.
Talk to your doctor
Beyond the basic precautions like keeping objects off your floors, you need to assess your health and get advice from a medical professional. Some medical conditions and medicines can make you more susceptible to falls. Keep your routine healthcare checkups and vision tests, and make sure you know the possible side effects of your medicines.
Staying active is also vital to maintain your flexibility, strength, and balance. Keep to a regular exercise plan approved by your doctor. While exercise is essential, you can also eliminate extra activity and make your life easier with a smart home.
Boost convenience and safety with a smart home
Repeatedly getting up and down to turn on the lights, secure your door, or change your thermostat is unnecessary and avoidable. A smart home will help! Here’s how:
- Smartphone access: Top smart homes are controlled by smartphone apps. You can adjust thermostat and lighting levels, lock your doors, and even arm your security without getting up.
- Voice commands: You don’t even need a smartphone to control your devices! Connect your home’s security to a voice assistant, then just say a directive to control equipment like locks and lights.
- Home automation. Want to make life even easier? You can configure smart automation actions and allow your equipment to operate on their own. Set a scene at day’s end and have your doors secure, lights lower, system arm, and thermostat adjust automatically.
In the worst-case scenario of a fall, a medical alert that links to your smart home monitoring team can be a lifesaver. A quick touch of a button can get you help fast at times when every second counts.
Live smarter and safer in your Kalamazoo home with Vivint
Lower the chances of falling and increase your safety with a Vivint home security system in Kalamazoo. Smart home tools like voice commands and home automation are a great fit for seniors and other people with mobility restrictions. Add a medical alert to your smart home and get instant access to monitoring agents when you need it most. Place a call to (269) 280-0186 to create your system today.