How to prevent falls in your Binghamton home
Tripping on an electrical cord or losing your balance on a loose rug might seem minor to many, but these mishaps can be disastrous for seniors. Truth be told, falls are the leading cause of injury for people over 65. If you are a senior or a relative looking after an elderly parent, learn how to prevent falls in your Binghamton home, and see how innovative smart home features can help.
Easy ways to prevent falls
Simple precautions will help a great deal in keeping you or a loved one safe. However, you also have to take a big-picture approach and evaluate any health conditions that might raise the chance of falls.
- Inspect your home for hazards. Keep deliveries, papers, clothing, and other assorted items off the floor. Tape down rugs. Ensure walking areas are free of power cords.
- Install safety equipment. Simple home improvements like handrails beside stairs and support bars in showers can greatly boost safety. If you have steps, consider supplementing your handrails with non-slip treads.
- Choose sensible shoes. Flimsy slippers, sandals, heels, and worn-down shoes with slippery soles raise the risk of falls. Select shoes that fit well with proper support and non-skid soles.
Consult with your doctor
Beyond the basics like keeping items off your floors, you need to consider your health and consult with a medical professional. Certain medical conditions and medicines can elevate your fall risk. Keep your normal medical checkups and vision checks, and make certain you understand the potential side effects of any new medicines.
Staying active is also vital to maintain your balance, strength, and flexibility. Stick to a daily exercise routine approved by your medical provider. While exercise is a must, you can also eliminate extra activity and make life simpler with a smart home.
Enhance convenience and safety with a smart home
Repeatedly getting up and down to switch lights on or off, secure your door, or reset your thermostat can be avoided. A smart home is able to help! Here’s what you can do:
- Smartphone access: Leading smart homes can be controlled by cell phone apps. You can adjust thermostat and light settings, secure your doors, and even arm your security system without getting up.
- Voice activation: You don’t even have to use your phone! Link your home to a smart speaker like Google Home or Amazon Alexa, then just say a directive to control devices like lights and locks.
- Custom automation. Want to make life even more effortless? You can configure smart automation actions and let your components activate on their own. Set a comprehensive scene at the end of the day and have your lights dim, security arm, thermostat adjust, and doors lock on their own.
In the rare event that you fall, a medical device that links to your smart home monitoring team can be critical. A simple touch of a button can summon support fast during times when every second counts.
Live safer and smarter in your Binghamton home with Vivint
Lower the chances of falling and increase your safety with a Vivint alarm system in Binghamton. Smart home tools like voice commands and custom automation are a great fit for seniors and other residents with mobility limitations. Add a medical device to your smart home and get instant access to monitoring agents when you need it most. Place a call to (607) 600-9610 to create your system today.