How to prevent falls in your Austin home
Slipping on an unanchored rug or tripping on a power cord may seem harmless to many, but these accidents can be devastating for seniors. Truth be told, falls are the leading cause of injury for adults over 65. If you are a senior or a family member looking after a parent or grandparent, learn how to prevent falls in your Austin home, and see how innovative smart homes can boost safety.
Simple ways to prevent falls
Basic precautions will go a long way to keeping you or your loved one safe. With that being said, you also have to broaden your scope and evaluate any health conditions that could elevate the risk of falls.
- Check your home for hazards. Keep boxes, papers, clothing, and other items off the floors. Secure rugs. Ensure hallways and common areas are free of power cords.
- Install safety equipment. Standard home improvements like grab bars in bathrooms and handrails beside stairs can greatly improve safety. If you have steps, supplement your handrails with non-slip treads.
- Choose sensible shoes. Unsupportive slippers, heels, flip-flops, and old shoes with slippery soles elevate the chance of falls. Select shoes that fit well with proper support and non-skid soles.
Seek advice from medical professionals
In addition to the simple precautions like keeping your floors clear, you need to assess your health and get advice from a doctor. Several health conditions and prescriptions can increase your fall risk. Keep your normal medical checkups and vision checks, and make sure you understand the possible side effects of new medicines.
Keeping active is also important to maintain your strength, balance, and flexibility. Stay on a daily exercise regimen approved by your medical provider. While exercise is essential, you can also reduce extra movements and make life easier with a smart home.
Enhance convenience and safety with a smart home
Getting up and down repeatedly to adjust lights, lock your door, or reset your thermostat isn’t necessary. A smart home can help! Here are some examples how:
- Mobile access: Many modern smart homes are controlled by smartphone apps. You can adjust thermostat and lighting levels, lock your doors, and even arm your system without getting up.
- Voice control: You don’t even have to use your phone! Sync your home to a voice assistant, then just verbalize a command to control devices like locks and lights.
- Custom automation. Want to make life even more effortless? You can program custom automation actions and allow your equipment to operate independently. Set a scene at the end of the day and have your security arm, thermostat update, door secure, and lights dim on their own.
In the rare event that you fall, a medical alert that contacts your smart home monitoring specialists can be invaluable. A simple touch of a button can summon assistance right away during times when every second counts.
Live smarter and safer in your Austin home with Vivint
Lower the chances of falling and enhance your safety with a Vivint security system in Austin. Smart home features like voice activation and custom automation are ideal for seniors and other residents with mobility limitations. Add a medical device to your smart home and get quick access to monitoring specialists whenever you need it. Place a call to (512) 229-9684 to build your system today.