How to prevent falls in your Peoria home
Stumbling on an electrical cord or sliding on a loose rug might seem harmless to many, but these mishaps can be devastating for seniors. In reality, falls are the top cause of injury for residents 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 Peoria home, and see how modern smart homes can boost safety.
Check out simple tips for preventing falls
Simple precautions will go a long way to keeping you or your loved one safe. With that being said, you also must broaden your scope and consider any health-related issues that might increase the risk of falls.
- Assess your home for hazards. Keep deliveries, papers, clothing, and other items off the floors. Anchor rugs. Ensure hallways and common areas are free of electrical cords.
- Install safety features. Simple home improvements like railings beside stairs and grab bars in bathrooms can make a noticeable difference. If you have steps, supplement your handrails with slip-resistant treads.
- Choose sensible footwear. Loose slippers, heels, flip-flops, and old shoes with slippery soles increase the chance of falls. Choose shoes that fit well with solid support and non-slip soles.
Seek guidance from healthcare professionals
In addition to the basic precautions like keeping your floors clear, you need to consider your health and consult with a doctor. Certain medical conditions and medications can make you more vulnerable to falls. Keep your normal checkups and vision checks, and ensure you understand the possible side effects of any new prescriptions.
Keeping active is also vital to maintain your balance, strength, and flexibility. Keep to a regular exercise routine approved by your doctor. While exercise is essential, you can also reduce unnecessary movements and make your life easier with a smart home.
Add safety and convenience with a smart home
Repeatedly getting up and down to switch lights on or off, secure your door, or reset your thermostat is unnecessary and avoidable. A smart home is able to help! Here are some examples how:
- Remote access: Many modern smart homes can be operated by cell phone apps. You can adjust thermostat and lighting settings, lock your doors, and even arm your security from any location.
- Voice control: You don’t even have to use your phone! Sync your system to a smart speaker, then just speak a command to control equipment like locks and lights.
- Home automation. Want to make life even simpler? You can program smart automation actions and allow your equipment to operate automatically. Set a scene when you go to bed and have your lights dim, system arm, thermostat adjust, and doors secure automatically.
In the worst-case scenario of a fall, a medical device that links to your smart home monitoring team can be critical. A simple touch of a button can get you support fast at times when every moment counts.
Live safer and smarter in your Peoria home with Vivint
Reduce the risk of falling and live smarter with a Vivint security system in Peoria. Smart home tools like voice activation and custom automation are ideal for seniors and others with mobility restrictions. Add a medical device to your smart home and get quick access to monitoring professionals whenever you need it. Call (309) 332-1063 to create your system today.