How to prevent falls in your Helena home
Catching your foot on a power cord or losing your balance on an unsecured rug might seem minor to many, but they can be devastating for seniors. In fact, falls are the top cause of injury for people over 65. If you’re a senior or a family member looking after a loved one, learn how to prevent falls in your Helena home, and see how modern smart homes can make a difference.
Simple ways to prevent falls
Simple precautions will go a long way to keeping you or your loved one protected. With that being said, you also need to look at the bigger picture and evaluate any medical-related issues that might elevate your fall risk.
- Check for hazards around your home. Keep deliveries, papers, clothing, and other assorted items off your floor. Secure rugs. Ensure walking areas are free of electrical cords.
- Install safety features. Standard home improvements like support bars in showers and railings beside stairs can greatly enhance safety. If you use steps, consider supplementing your handrails with slip-preventing treads.
- Choose sensible shoes. Flimsy slippers, heels, flip-flops, and old shoes with slippery soles elevate the chance of falls. Find shoes that fit with good support and non-skid soles.
Get advice from a medical professional
Beyond the simple precautions like keeping items off your floors, you need to think about your health and seek guidance from a healthcare professional. Some health complications and medicines can elevate your fall risk. Keep your regular medical appointments and vision exams, and make sure you know the possible side effects of any new prescriptions.
Keeping active is also important to maintain your balance, strength, and flexibility. Stay on a regular exercise routine approved by your medical provider. While exercise is essential, you can also reduce unnecessary activity and make life easier with a smart home.
Boost convenience and safety with a smart home
Constantly getting up and down 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 are some examples how:
- Smartphone access: Top smart homes can be operated by mobile apps. You can adjust thermostat and lighting levels, lock your doors, and even arm your security without leaving your chair.
- Voice commands: You don’t even have to use your phone! Link your system to a smart speaker like Google Home or Amazon Alexa, then just speak an instruction to control tools like lights and locks.
- Home automation. Want to make life even easier? You can set custom automation actions and let your equipment run independently. Set a comprehensive scene at the end of the day and have your lights dim, system arm, thermostat adjust, and doors secure simultaneously.
In the worst-case scenario of a fall, a medical alert that links to your smart home monitoring agents can be invaluable. A simple press of a button can get you assistance immediately at times when each moment counts.
Stay safe in your Helena home with Vivint
Lower the chances of falling and enhance your safety with a Vivint alarm system in Helena. Smart home capabilities like voice activation and custom automation are perfect for seniors and other residents with mobility issues. Add a medical device to your smart home and get instant access to monitoring professionals whenever you need it. Dial (406) 926-5388 to create your system today.