How to prevent falls in your Fresno home
Catching your foot on an electrical cord or slipping on an unanchored rug may seem inconsequential to many, but they can be disastrous for seniors. In reality, falls are the No. 1 cause of injury for residents over 65. If you are a senior or a family member looking after a loved one, find tips on how to prevent falls in your Fresno home, and see how modern smart home features can boost safety.
Simple tips to prevent falls
Straightforward precautions will make a big difference in keeping you or your loved one protected. Even so, you also need to take a big-picture approach and evaluate any health-related issues that may raise the chance of falls.
- Assess your home for hazards. Keep deliveries, papers, clothing, and other objects off the floor. Secure rugs. Ensure hallways and common areas are free of power cords.
- Install safety equipment. Standard home improvements like support bars in bathrooms and handrails beside stairs can greatly boost safety. If you have steps, consider supplementing your handrails with slip-preventing treads.
- Opt for sensible shoes. Flimsy slippers, heels, flip-flops, and worn-down shoes with smooth soles increase the risk of falling. Find shoes that fit with proper support and non-skid soles.
Seek guidance from healthcare professionals
Aside from the basics like keeping items off your floors, you need to assess your health and seek guidance from a healthcare professional. Some health complications and prescriptions can make you more prone to falls. Keep your routine checkups and vision tests, and make sure you know the possible side effects of any new medicines.
Keeping active is also vital to maintain your strength, balance, and flexibility. Stay on a regular exercise routine approved by your medical provider. While exercise is crucial, you can also cut out unnecessary activity and make life easier with a smart home.
Add convenience and safety with a smart home
Getting up and down repeatedly to turn on the lights, secure your door, or change your thermostat is unnecessary and avoidable. A smart home will help! Here are some examples how:
- Remote access: Many modern smart homes can be controlled by mobile apps. You can adjust thermostat and light levels, secure your doors, and even arm your system without getting up.
- Voice activation: You don’t even have to use your phone! Link your system to a smart speaker, then just speak a command to control equipment like locks and thermostats.
- Home automation. Want to make life even simpler? You can set custom automation actions and let your devices activate on their own. Set a full scene when you go to bed and have your system arm, thermostat update, door secure, and lights lower simultaneously.
In the worst-case scenario of a fall, a medical device that contacts your smart home monitoring team can be a lifesaver. A quick press of a button can request assistance immediately at times when every second matters.
Stay safe in your Fresno home with Vivint
Decrease the risk of falling and increase your safety with a Vivint home security system in Fresno. Smart home capabilities like voice activation and custom automation are ideal for seniors and others with mobility issues. Add a medical device to your system and get quick access to monitoring specialists during emergencies. Dial (559) 354-6624 to create your system today.