How to prevent falls in your Athens home
Sliding on an unanchored rug or tripping on a power cord could seem harmless 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 are a senior or a family member looking after a loved one, learn how to prevent falls in your Athens home, and see how innovative smart homes can boost safety.
Explore straightforward tips for preventing falls
Straightforward precautions will help a great deal in keeping you or a family member safe. However, you also must broaden your scope and think about any health conditions that might make falls more of a concern.
- Check for hazards around your home. Keep deliveries, papers, clothing, and other random objects off the floor. Anchor rugs. Ensure walkways are free of power cords.
- Install safety features. Standard home improvements like handrails next to stairs and grab bars in bathrooms can make a big difference. If you have steps, consider supplementing your handrails with slip-resistant treads.
- Choose the right footwear. Unsupportive slippers, flip-flops, heels, and worn-down shoes with smooth soles increase the risk of falls. Choose shoes that fit with proper support and non-slip soles.
Get advice from a healthcare professional
In addition to the basics like keeping items off your floors, you need to think about your health and get advice from a healthcare professional. Certain health conditions and medicines can elevate your fall risk. Keep your normal healthcare appointments and vision checks, 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. Keep to a daily exercise plan approved by your doctor. While exercise is a must, you can also eliminate extra movements and make life more convenient with a smart home.
Add safety and convenience with a smart home
Constantly getting up and down to adjust lights, secure your door, or adjust your thermostat can be avoided. A smart home is able to help! Here’s what you can do:
- Remote access: Many modern smart homes can be operated by smartphone apps. You can turn lights on or off, reset your thermostat, secure your door, and even arm your system without leaving your chair.
- Voice activation: You don’t even need a smartphone to control your devices! Link your home to a voice assistant, then just use your voice to control devices like locks and thermostats.
- Custom automation. Want to make life even easier? You can set custom automation actions and let your devices run on their own. Set a comprehensive scene at the end of the day and have your lights lower, system arm, thermostat adjust, and doors lock simultaneously.
In the rare event that you fall, a medical pendant that links to your smart home monitoring team can be a lifesaver. A simple touch of a button can request support fast at times when each moment counts.
Live safer and smarter in your Athens home with Vivint
Lower the risk of falling and live smarter with a Vivint security system in Athens. Smart home capabilities like voice commands and custom automation are a great fit for seniors and other residents with mobility restrictions. Add a medical alert to your smart home and get instant access to monitoring agents during emergencies. Call (706) 800-8603 to design your system today.