How to prevent falls in your Salt Lake City home
Catching your foot on a power cord or slipping on a loose rug might seem minor 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 relative watching over a loved one, discover how to prevent falls in your Salt Lake City 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 protected. With that being said, you also have to look at the bigger picture and evaluate any health conditions that could make falls more of a concern.
- Check your home for hazards. Keep deliveries, papers, clothing, and other random objects off your floor. Tape down rugs. Ensure walkways are free of electrical cords.
- Install safety measures. Simple home improvements like railings beside stairs and safety bars in showers can greatly boost safety. If you have steps, consider supplementing your railings with slip-resistant treads.
- Opt for sensible shoes. Flimsy slippers, sandals, heels, and worn-down shoes with slippery soles elevate the chance of falls. Select options that fit well with good support and non-skid soles.
Get advice from a healthcare professional
Beyond the basics like keeping your floors clear, you need to consider your health and get advice from a healthcare professional. Some medical conditions and medications can make you more vulnerable to falls. Keep your normal appointments and vision tests, and make sure you understand the possible side effects of any new medicines.
Staying active is also vital to maintain your balance, strength, and flexibility. Stick to a daily exercise plan approved by your healthcare provider. While exercise is crucial, you can also reduce unnecessary activity and make your life simpler with a smart home.
Boost safety and convenience 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 can help! Here are some examples how:
- Mobile access: Top smart homes are controlled by cell phone apps. You can adjust lighting and thermostat levels, lock your doors, and even arm your security system without getting up.
- Voice activation: You don’t even need your phone to control your smart home! Sync your system to a smart speaker like Google Home or Amazon Alexa, then just use your voice to control tools like lights and locks.
- Custom automation. Want to make life even more effortless? You can set custom automation actions and allow your components to operate independently. Set a comprehensive scene at the end of the day and have your lights lower, security arm, thermostat update, and doors lock on their own.
In the rare event that you fall, a medical device that connects to your smart home monitoring agents can be invaluable. A simple touch of a button can request assistance immediately at times when every second counts.
Stay safe in your Salt Lake City home with Vivint
Lower the risk of falling and increase your safety with a Vivint home security system in Salt Lake City. Smart home capabilities like home automation and voice control are ideal for seniors and other residents with mobility limitations. Add a medical alert to your smart home and get instant access to monitoring agents whenever you need it. Dial (385) 350-4458 to design your system today.