How to prevent falls in your Shreveport home
Losing your balance on an unanchored rug or tripping on an electrical cord could seem inconsequential to many, but these accidents can be disastrous for seniors. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury for adults over 65. If you are a senior or a relative looking after an elderly parent, learn how to prevent falls in your Shreveport home, and see how innovative smart homes can make a difference.
Simple ways to prevent falls
Straightforward precautions will help a great deal in keeping you or a loved one protected. However, you also need to look at the bigger picture and consider any medical-related issues that may raise your fall risk.
- Check your home for hazards. Keep clothing, papers, boxes, and other random items off the floor. Tape down rugs. Ensure walking areas are free of power cords.
- Install safety measures. Simple home improvements like railings next to stairs and grab bars in showers can significantly boost safety. If you have steps, consider supplementing your handrails with slip-resistant treads.
- Opt for sensible shoes. Unsupportive slippers, heels, flip-flops, and worn-out shoes with slippery soles raise the chance of falls. Find options that fit well with good support and non-skid soles.
Get advice from a healthcare professional
Aside from the simple precautions like keeping objects off your floors, you need to assess your health and seek guidance from a healthcare professional. Some health conditions and medicines can elevate your fall risk. Keep your regular healthcare appointments and vision exams, and make sure you understand the potential side effects of any new medications.
Remaining active is also vital to maintain your balance, strength, and flexibility. Stick to a daily exercise plan approved by your medical provider. While exercise is a must, you can also reduce extra movements and make life more convenient with a smart home.
Enhance convenience and safety with a smart home
Constantly getting up and down to switch lights on or off, secure your door, or reset your thermostat can be avoided. A smart home will help! Here’s how:
- Remote access: Leading smart homes can be operated by cell phone apps. You can adjust thermostat and light levels, lock your doors, and even arm your system without getting up.
- Voice activation: You don’t even have to use your phone! Link your home’s security to a smart speaker like Google Home or Amazon Alexa, then just speak an instruction to control devices like locks and thermostats.
- Custom automation. Want to make life even easier? You can program home automation actions and let your components activate independently. Set a comprehensive scene at the end of the day and have your security arm, thermostat adjust, door lock, and lights lower automatically.
If the unthinkable happens and you fall, a medical device that links to your smart home monitoring team can be a lifesaver. A quick touch of a button can request support right away during times when every moment matters.
Live smarter and safer in your Shreveport home with Vivint
Decrease the risk of falling and increase your safety with a Vivint alarm system in Shreveport. Smart home capabilities like custom automation and voice control are ideal for seniors and other residents with mobility limitations. Add a medical pendant to your system and get quick access to monitoring specialists during emergencies. Place a call to (318) 612-1329 to create your system today.