How to prevent falls in your Chattanooga home
Tripping on an electrical cord or sliding on a loose rug could seem harmless to many, but these accidents can be devastating for seniors. In fact, falls are the top cause of injury for adults over 65. If you are a senior or a family member watching over a loved one, find tips on how to prevent falls in your Chattanooga home, and see how modern smart homes can help.
Easy ways to prevent falls
Basic precautions will help a great deal in keeping you or your loved one safe. With that being said, you also need to look at the bigger picture and consider any medical-related issues that could make falls more of a concern.
- Check for hazards throughout your home. Keep deliveries, papers, clothing, and other objects off the floor. Secure rugs. Ensure walkways are free of power cords.
- Install safety features. Basic home improvements like handrails beside stairs and grab bars in showers can make a significant difference. If you have steps, supplement your handrails with non-slip treads.
- Choose the right footwear. Unsupportive slippers, flip-flops, heels, and worn-down shoes with smooth soles increase the risk of falling. Find shoes that fit well with solid support and non-skid soles.
Consult with your doctor
In addition to the basics like keeping your floors clear, you need to think about your health and seek guidance from a medical professional. Some health conditions and medicines can make you more prone to falls. Keep your normal checkups and vision exams, and ensure you understand the possible side effects of new medications.
Staying active is also essential to maintain your flexibility, strength, and balance. Stick to a daily exercise routine approved by your doctor. While exercise is essential, you can also eliminate unnecessary activity and make your life simpler with a smart home.
Enhance convenience and safety with a smart home
Getting up and down repeatedly to switch lights on or off, secure your door, or adjust your thermostat is unnecessary and avoidable. A smart home is able to help! Here’s how:
- Remote access: Many modern smart homes can be controlled by smartphone apps. You can turn lights on or off, adjust your thermostat, secure your door, and even arm your system without leaving your chair.
- Voice commands: You don’t even need your phone to control your smart home! Connect your system to a voice assistant, then just verbalize a directive to control tools like locks and lights.
- Home automation. Want to make life even simpler? You can program home automation actions and allow your equipment to activate independently. Set a scene at day’s end and have your security arm, thermostat adjust, door secure, and lights dim automatically.
In the worst-case scenario of a fall, a medical pendant that links to your smart home monitoring agents can be invaluable. A simple touch of a button can request help fast during times when every moment counts.
Live smarter and safer in your Chattanooga home with Vivint
Decrease the risk of falling and live smarter with a Vivint home security system in Chattanooga. Smart home capabilities like voice commands and custom automation are a great fit for seniors and other residents with mobility limitations. Add a medical alert to your smart home and get immediate access to monitoring professionals during emergencies. Call (423) 561-9767 to build your system today.