How to prevent falls in your Wilmington home
Losing your balance on an unsecured rug or stumbling on an electrical cord could seem inconsequential to many, but these mishaps can be disastrous for seniors. Truth be told, falls are the top cause of injury for adults over 65. If you’re a senior or a family member watching over an elderly parent, learn how to prevent falls in your Wilmington home, and see how innovative smart homes can help.
Easy ways to prevent falls
Basic precautions will help a great deal in keeping you or a loved one protected. With that being said, you also have to broaden your scope and consider any health-related issues that may make falls more likely.
- Assess your home for hazards. Keep boxes, papers, clothing, and other items off the floor. Tape down rugs. Ensure hallways and common areas are free of electrical cords.
- Install safety equipment. Simple home improvements like safety bars in bathrooms and handrails beside stairs can make a noticeable difference. If you have steps, consider supplementing your railings with slip-preventing treads.
- Choose the right footwear. Flimsy slippers, flip-flops, heels, and worn-down shoes with slippery soles increase the risk of falling. Choose shoes that fit well with good support and non-skid soles.
Speak with your doctor
In addition to the basics like keeping objects off your floors, you need to consider your health and seek guidance from a healthcare professional. Several health complications and medications can make you more susceptible to falls. Keep your normal healthcare appointments and vision checks, and make certain you know the potential side effects of new prescriptions.
Keeping active is also vital to maintain your strength, balance, and flexibility. Keep to a regular exercise routine approved by your healthcare provider. While exercise is crucial, you can also cut out extra activity and make your life easier with a smart home.
Add safety and convenience with a smart home
Getting up and down repeatedly to switch lights on or off, lock your door, or change your thermostat can be avoided. A smart home is able to help! Here’s what you can do:
- Smartphone access: Leading smart homes can be operated by cell phone apps. You can secure your doors, adjust lighting and thermostat settings, and even arm your system from any location.
- Voice commands: You don’t even need your phone to control your smart home! Link your home’s security to a voice assistant, then just use your voice to control devices like locks and lights.
- Home automation. Want to make life even easier? You can program custom automation actions and let your components run automatically. Set a comprehensive scene when you go to bed and have your lights dim, security arm, thermostat update, and doors lock on their own.
In the worst-case scenario of a fall, a medical device that contacts your smart home monitoring team can be a lifesaver. A quick touch of a button can summon assistance immediately during times when every second matters.
Live safer and smarter in your Wilmington home with Vivint
Lower the chances of falling and enhance your safety with a Vivint alarm system in Wilmington. Smart home features like voice commands and home automation are a great fit for seniors and others with mobility issues. Add a medical device to your system and get quick access to monitoring agents whenever you need it. Place a call to (910) 634-2695 to build your system today.