How to prevent falls in your Pittsburgh home
Slipping on an unsecured rug or catching your foot on a power cord might seem minor to many, but these mishaps can be devastating for seniors. In reality, falls are the top cause of injury for adults over 65. If you’re a senior or a relative caring for a parent or grandparent, learn how to prevent falls in your Pittsburgh home, and see how the latest smart home features can help.
Easy ways to prevent falls
Simple precautions will make a big difference in keeping you or a loved one safeguarded. With that being said, you also need to look at the bigger picture and consider any medical-related issues that could increase your fall risk.
- Check for hazards around your home. Keep boxes, papers, clothing, and other random items off the floor. Tape down rugs. Ensure walkways are free of electrical cords.
- Install safety measures. Basic home improvements like safety bars in bathrooms and handrails beside stairs can make a big difference. If you use steps, supplement your railings with slip-preventing treads.
- Choose the right footwear. Unsupportive slippers, flip-flops, heels, and worn-down shoes with smooth soles raise the risk of falling. Find shoes that fit with solid support and non-slip soles.
Seek advice from healthcare professionals
In addition to the basics like keeping objects off your floors, you need to think about your health and get advice from a doctor. Several medical conditions and prescriptions can make you more vulnerable to falls. Keep your regular medical appointments and vision exams, and make certain you understand the potential side effects of any new medications.
Keeping active is also essential to maintain your strength, balance, and flexibility. Stay on a regular exercise plan approved by your doctor. While exercise is a must, you can also reduce unnecessary activity and make life more convenient with a smart home.
Enhance safety and convenience 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 can help! Here’s what you can do:
- Remote access: Top smart homes can be operated by cell phone apps. You can adjust thermostat and lighting settings, secure your doors, and even arm your security system without leaving your chair.
- Voice commands: You don’t even need a smartphone to control your devices! Link your home to a voice assistant, then just say an instruction to control tools like locks and thermostats.
- Custom automation. Want to make life even easier? You can configure smart automation actions and allow your devices to run independently. Set a scene when you go to bed and have your security arm, thermostat update, door secure, and lights lower on their own.
If the unthinkable happens and you fall, a medical pendant that links to your smart home monitoring agents can be invaluable. A simple press of a button can request help fast during times when every moment matters.
Live safer and smarter in your Pittsburgh home with Vivint
Reduce the risk of falling and live smarter with a Vivint home security system in Pittsburgh. Smart home tools like home automation and voice activation are perfect for seniors and other people with mobility issues. Add a medical pendant to your system and get immediate access to monitoring specialists when you need it most. Call (412) 318-9359 to design your system today.