How to prevent falls in your San Diego home

Losing your balance on a loose rug or tripping on an electrical cord may seem harmless to many, but these accidents can be disastrous for seniors. Truth be told, falls are the No. 1 cause of injury for people over 65. If you are a senior or a relative caring for a parent or grandparent, find tips on how to prevent falls in your San Diego home, and see how modern smart home features can make a difference.

Check out straightforward tips for preventing falls

Simple precautions will make a big difference in keeping you or a family member safe. Even so, you also need to take a big-picture approach and evaluate any health conditions that may raise your fall risk.

• Check for hazards throughout your home. Keep boxes, papers, clothing, and other items off the floors. Anchor rugs. Ensure walking areas are free of electrical cords.
  
  
• Install safety measures. Basic home improvements like railings next to stairs and safety bars in showers can make a noticeable difference. If you use steps, think about supplementing your handrails with slip-preventing treads.
  
  
• Choose the right footwear. Unsupportive slippers, heels, flip-flops, and worn-down shoes with no tread left increase the risk of falls. Select shoes that fit with proper support and non-skid soles.

Seek guidance from medical professionals

Beyond the basics like keeping items off your floors, you need to consider your health and seek guidance from a healthcare professional. Some health conditions and prescriptions can elevate your fall risk. Keep your normal appointments and vision tests, and make certain you know the possible side effects of any new prescriptions.

Keeping active is also vital to maintain your strength, balance, and flexibility. Stay on a daily exercise routine approved by your medical provider. While exercise is a must, you can also cut out extra activity and make life simpler with a smart home.

Enhance convenience and safety with a smart home

Getting up and down constantly to switch lights on or off, lock your door, or adjust your thermostat can be avoided. A smart home is able to help! Here’s what you can do:

• Remote access: Many modern smart homes can be controlled by mobile apps. You can turn lights off or on, reset your thermostat, lock your door, and even arm your system without leaving your chair. 

• Voice activation: You don’t even need your phone to control your smart home! Sync your home to a voice assistant, then just speak a directive to control devices like locks and thermostats.

• Custom automation. Want to make life even more effortless? You can configure home automation actions and allow your components to operate independently. Set a comprehensive scene when you go to bed and have your security arm, thermostat update, door secure, and lights lower on their own.

In the rare event that you fall, a medical device that links to your smart home monitoring agents can be critical. A quick touch of a button can get you support fast during times when every second matters.

Live smarter and safer in your San Diego home with Vivint

Decrease the risk of falling and enhance your safety with a Vivint alarm system in San Diego. Smart home tools like custom automation and voice activation are perfect for seniors and others with mobility issues. Add a medical pendant to your smart home and get instant access to monitoring specialists during emergencies. Place a call to (619) 492-4324 to design your system today.