How to prevent falls in your Fort Wayne home

Tripping on a power cord or slipping on an unanchored rug could seem inconsequential to many, but they 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 family member caring for an elderly parent, find tips on how to prevent falls in your Fort Wayne home, and see how the latest smart home features can make a difference.
Easy ways to prevent falls
Basic precautions will make a big difference in keeping you or a family member protected. With that being said, you also must broaden your scope and consider any medical-related issues that could elevate the chance of falls.
- Inspect your home for hazards. Keep deliveries, papers, clothing, and other random objects off your floor. Tape down rugs. Ensure walkways are free of electrical cords.
- Install safety measures. Basic home improvements like railings beside stairs and safety bars in showers can significantly improve safety. If you have steps, consider supplementing your railings with slip-preventing treads.
- Choose sensible shoes. Loose slippers, flip-flops, heels, and worn-down shoes with no tread left increase the risk of falling. Select options that fit with good support and non-skid soles.
Get advice from a healthcare professional
Beyond the basic precautions like keeping objects off your floors, you need to think about your health and seek guidance from a medical professional. Some health conditions and medicines can elevate your fall risk. Keep your regular healthcare checkups and vision checks, and ensure you know the potential side effects of your prescriptions.
Keeping active is also vital to maintain your flexibility, strength, and balance. Keep to a regular exercise regimen approved by your healthcare provider. While exercise is a must, you can also eliminate extra activity and make your life more convenient with a smart home.
Boost convenience and safety with a smart home
Repeatedly getting up and down to switch lights on or off, secure your door, or change your thermostat can be avoided. A smart home is able to help! Here are some examples how:
- Mobile access: Many modern smart homes are controlled by cell phone apps. You can adjust thermostat and lighting levels, secure your doors, and even arm your system without getting up.
- Voice control: You don’t even have to use your phone! Link your home’s security to a voice assistant, then just use your voice to control devices like locks and lights.
- Custom automation. Want to make life even more effortless? You can program smart automation actions and let your devices operate on their own. Set a comprehensive scene when you go to bed and have your doors secure, lights dim, security arm, and thermostat update on their own.
If the unthinkable happens and you fall, a medical alert that contacts your smart home monitoring specialists can be invaluable. A simple touch of a button can request assistance fast during times when each moment counts.
Stay safe in your Fort Wayne home with Vivint
Reduce the chances of falling and enhance your safety with a Vivint home security system in Fort Wayne. Smart home tools like voice activation and custom automation are perfect for seniors and other residents with mobility limitations. Add a medical pendant to your system and get quick access to monitoring agents during emergencies. Call (260) 286-9602 to design your system today.