How to prevent falls in your Ann Arbor home
Stumbling on a power cord or losing your balance on an unanchored rug could seem minor to many, but these mishaps can be disastrous for seniors. Truth be told, falls are the leading cause of injury for people over 65. If you’re a senior or a family member caring for a parent or grandparent, learn how to prevent falls in your Ann Arbor home, and see how modern smart home features can make a difference.
Check out tips for preventing falls
Basic precautions will help a great deal in keeping you or your loved one protected. Even so, you also must look at the bigger picture and think about any health-related issues that could increase the chance of falls.
- Check for hazards throughout your home. Keep deliveries, papers, clothing, and other assorted objects off the floor. Secure rugs. Ensure hallways and common areas are free of power cords.
- Install safety equipment. Basic home improvements like support bars in showers and handrails next to stairs can make a noticeable difference. If you have steps, supplement your handrails with slip-resistant treads.
- Opt for sensible footwear. Flimsy slippers, heels, flip-flops, and worn-down shoes with slippery soles increase the risk of falls. Find shoes that fit with good support and non-slip soles.
Seek guidance from healthcare professionals
Aside from the simple precautions like keeping items off your floors, you need to think about your health and seek guidance from a medical professional. Several health complications and medicines can make you more vulnerable to falls. Keep your regular checkups and vision tests, and make sure you know the possible side effects of new medications.
Keeping active is also important to maintain your balance, strength, and flexibility. Stay on a daily exercise regimen approved by your healthcare provider. While exercise is essential, you can also cut out extra activity and make life easier with a smart home.
Boost convenience and safety with a smart home
Repeatedly getting up and down to switch lights on or off, lock your door, or reset your thermostat can be avoided. A smart home is able to help! Here’s how:
- Smartphone access: Leading smart homes are controlled by mobile apps. You can adjust lighting and thermostat settings, secure your doors, and even arm your security system from any location.
- Voice commands: You don’t even need a smartphone to control your devices! Sync your system to a smart speaker, then just say an instruction to control equipment like locks and lights.
- Custom automation. Want to make life even simpler? You can set home automation actions and allow your devices to run independently. Set a scene at the end of the day and have your lights dim, system arm, thermostat adjust, and doors secure on their own.
In the rare event that you fall, a medical pendant that links to your smart home monitoring agents can be critical. A quick touch of a button can request support immediately at times when every moment matters.
Stay safe in your Ann Arbor home with Vivint
Reduce the chances of falling and increase your safety with a Vivint home security system in Ann Arbor. Smart home tools like voice activation and home automation are a great fit for seniors and others with mobility limitations. Add a medical alert to your system and get instant access to monitoring specialists when you need it most. Dial (734) 206-7166 to build your system today.