How to prevent falls in your Gulfport home
Stumbling on an electrical cord or slipping on an unsecured rug could seem harmless to many, but they can be catastrophic for seniors. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury for adults over 65. If you are a senior or a family member caring for a parent or grandparent, discover how to prevent falls in your Gulfport home, and see how modern smart homes can boost safety.
Simple ways to prevent falls
Straightforward precautions will help a great deal in keeping you or a loved one protected. Even so, you also need to broaden your scope and consider any health-related issues that might increase your fall risk.
- Look for hazards around your home. Keep clothing, papers, boxes, and other belongings off the floors. Secure rugs. Ensure walkways are free of electrical cords.
- Install safety equipment. Standard home improvements like support bars in showers and railings beside stairs can make a noticeable difference. If you have steps, supplement your handrails with non-slip treads.
- Choose sensible shoes. Unsupportive slippers, heels, flip-flops, and old shoes with no tread left elevate the risk of falling. Choose shoes that fit with solid support and non-slip soles.
Speak with your doctor
Aside from the basic precautions like keeping items off your floors, you need to think about your health and consult with a healthcare professional. Some medical conditions and prescriptions can make you more susceptible to falls. Keep your regular checkups and vision tests, and ensure you understand the potential side effects of new prescriptions.
Remaining active is also important to maintain your flexibility, strength, and balance. Stick to a daily exercise plan approved by your healthcare provider. While exercise is essential, you can also reduce unnecessary activity and make life easier with a smart home.
Add safety and convenience with a smart home
Getting up and down constantly to turn on the lights, secure your door, or change your thermostat can be avoided. A smart home can help! Here are some examples how:
- Mobile access: Many modern smart homes are controlled by smartphone apps. You can adjust lighting and thermostat levels, lock your doors, and even arm your system from any location.
- Voice commands: You don’t even need a smartphone to control your devices! Link your system to a smart speaker, then just verbalize an instruction to control tools like locks and lights.
- Custom automation. Want to make life even simpler? You can configure custom automation actions and allow your devices to activate on their own. Set a scene at the end of the day and have your lights lower, security arm, thermostat adjust, and doors secure simultaneously.
If the unthinkable happens and you fall, a medical pendant that connects to your smart home monitoring specialists can be critical. A quick press of a button can get you help fast at times when every second matters.
Stay safe in your Gulfport home with Vivint
Lower the chances of falling and increase your safety with a Vivint alarm system in Gulfport. Smart home capabilities like voice activation and custom automation are ideal for seniors and others with mobility issues. Add a medical device to your smart home and get immediate access to monitoring agents when you need it most. Call (228) 338-1467 to design your system today.