How to prevent falls in your Cedar Rapids home
Losing your balance on a loose rug or tripping on an electrical cord may seem harmless to many, but these mishaps can be catastrophic for seniors. Truth be told, falls are the top cause of injury for residents over 65. If you’re a senior or a family member watching over a parent or grandparent, find tips on how to prevent falls in your Cedar Rapids home, and see how modern smart home features can make a difference.
Simple tips to prevent falls
Straightforward precautions will help a great deal in keeping you or a family member safe. However, you also have to take a big-picture approach and evaluate any medical-related issues that may elevate your fall risk.
- Check for hazards around your home. Keep boxes, papers, clothing, and other items off the floor. Anchor rugs. Ensure walking areas are free of electrical cords.
- Install safety equipment. Simple home improvements like grab bars in showers and handrails beside stairs can greatly boost safety. If you use steps, think about supplementing your handrails with slip-preventing treads.
- Choose sensible shoes. Unsupportive slippers, heels, flip-flops, and worn-down shoes with no tread left increase the risk of falling. Find options that fit with proper support and non-slip soles.
Speak with your doctor
Aside from the simple precautions like keeping your floors clear, you need to assess your health and get advice from a healthcare professional. Certain health conditions and medications can heighten your fall risk. Keep your normal medical appointments and vision tests, and make certain you understand the potential side effects of new medications.
Remaining active is also essential to maintain your strength, balance, and flexibility. Stick to a daily exercise regimen approved by your healthcare provider. While exercise is essential, you can also cut out unnecessary movements and make life simpler with a smart home.
Boost safety and convenience with a smart home
Constantly getting up and down to switch lights on or off, lock your door, or change your thermostat can be avoided. A smart home can help! Here’s what you can do:
- Remote access: Many modern smart homes can be controlled by smartphone apps. You can turn lights off or on, adjust your thermostat, secure your door, and even arm your security without leaving your chair.
- Voice control: You don’t even need your phone to control your smart home! Sync your system to a smart speaker like Google Home or Amazon Alexa, then just use your voice to control devices like lights and locks.
- Home automation. Want to make life even more effortless? You can configure home automation actions and let your components run on their own. Set a comprehensive scene at day’s end and have your lights dim, security arm, thermostat update, and doors secure automatically.
If the unthinkable happens and you fall, a medical device that connects to your smart home monitoring team can be invaluable. A simple touch of a button can summon support fast during times when every second matters.
Live smarter and safer in your Cedar Rapids home with Vivint
Decrease the risk of falling and live smarter with a Vivint alarm system in Cedar Rapids. Smart home tools like voice commands and home automation are ideal for seniors and other people with mobility restrictions. Add a medical pendant to your smart home and get instant access to monitoring specialists when you need it most. Place a call to (319) 419-4827 to build your system today.