How to prevent falls in your Jacksonville home
Tripping on an electrical cord or slipping on an unanchored rug could seem minor to many, but these accidents can be devastating for seniors. In reality, falls are the No. 1 cause of injury for adults over 65. If you’re a senior or a family member caring for an elderly parent, learn how to prevent falls in your Jacksonville home, and see how modern smart homes can make a difference.
Simple tips to prevent falls
Straightforward precautions will go a long way to keeping you or a family member protected. With that being said, you also have to take a big-picture approach and think about any health conditions that may make falls more likely.
- Check for hazards throughout your home. Keep boxes, papers, clothing, and other objects off the floors. Secure rugs. Ensure hallways and common areas are free of electrical cords.
- Install safety equipment. Simple home improvements like grab bars in bathrooms and handrails next to stairs can significantly improve safety. If you use steps, supplement your handrails with slip-resistant treads.
- Choose the right shoes. Loose slippers, sandals, heels, and worn-down shoes with no tread left increase the risk of falling. Choose options that fit well with solid support and non-slip soles.
Get advice from a healthcare professional
In addition to the basics like keeping objects off your floors, you need to assess your health and seek guidance from a doctor. Some health complications and medications can make you more susceptible to falls. Keep your regular medical checkups and vision tests, and make certain you know the possible side effects of new prescriptions.
Staying active is also important to maintain your flexibility, strength, and balance. Stick to a daily exercise routine approved by your medical provider. While exercise is a must, you can also eliminate unnecessary activity and make life easier with a smart home.
Add safety and convenience with a smart home
Repeatedly getting up and down to switch lights on or off, lock your door, or change your thermostat isn’t necessary. A smart home will help! Here’s what you can do:
- Remote access: Leading smart homes can be controlled by smartphone apps. You can turn lights on or off, reset your thermostat, lock your door, and even arm your system from any location.
- Voice commands: You don’t even need your phone to control your smart home! Connect your home to a voice assistant, then just verbalize a directive to control equipment like lights and locks.
- Custom automation. Want to make life even easier? You can program home automation actions and let your components operate on their own. Set a full scene when you go to bed and have your doors secure, lights lower, system arm, and thermostat adjust simultaneously.
If the unthinkable happens and you fall, a medical alert that contacts your smart home monitoring specialists can be invaluable. A simple press of a button can request support fast at times when every moment matters.
Live smarter and safer in your Jacksonville home with Vivint
Lower the chances of falling and enhance your safety with a Vivint security system in Jacksonville. Smart home tools like custom automation and voice control are a great fit for seniors and other people with mobility issues. Add a medical device to your smart home and get instant access to monitoring specialists whenever you need it. Dial (904) 977-6139 to build your system today.