How to prevent falls in your Nashville home

Catching your foot on a power cord or losing your balance on a loose rug may seem inconsequential to many, but they can be disastrous for seniors. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury for residents over 65. If you are a senior or a relative looking after a parent or grandparent, find tips on how to prevent falls in your Nashville home, and see how innovative smart home features can help.

Simple tips to prevent falls

Straightforward precautions will help a great deal in keeping you or your loved one safeguarded. With that being said, you also need to look at the bigger picture and evaluate any medical-related issues that could make falls more of a concern.

• Look for hazards around your home. Keep deliveries, papers, clothing, and other objects off your floor. Secure rugs. Ensure walking areas are free of electrical cords.
  
  
• Install safety features. Basic home improvements like handrails beside stairs and support bars in showers can make a big difference. If you have steps, think about supplementing your railings with slip-resistant treads.
  
  
• Choose sensible footwear. Flimsy slippers, sandals, heels, and old shoes with smooth soles raise the risk of falls. Select shoes that fit with good support and non-skid soles.

Get advice from a healthcare professional

Aside from the basics like keeping items off your floors, you need to assess your health and get advice from a healthcare professional. Certain health conditions and medications can elevate your fall risk. Keep your normal medical appointments and vision exams, and ensure you know the potential side effects of any new medications.

Remaining active is also important to maintain your flexibility, strength, and balance. Keep to a daily exercise plan approved by your healthcare provider. While exercise is crucial, you can also reduce unnecessary movements and make life easier with a smart home.

Add safety and convenience with a smart home

Repeatedly getting up and down to switch lights on or off, lock your door, or change your thermostat is unnecessary and avoidable. A smart home can help! Here’s what you can do:

• Smartphone access: Leading smart homes are controlled by cell phone apps. You can turn lights off or on, adjust your thermostat, lock your door, and even arm your system from any location. 

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

• Home automation. Want to make life even easier? You can set smart automation actions and allow your devices to operate automatically. Set a comprehensive scene at the end of the day and have your security arm, thermostat update, door lock, and lights lower automatically.

In the rare event that you fall, a medical alert that connects to your smart home monitoring agents can be critical. A simple press of a button can get you support right away at times when each moment matters.

Stay safe in your Nashville home with Vivint

Lower the risk of falling and increase your safety with a Vivint alarm system in Nashville. Smart home tools like voice activation and custom automation are ideal for seniors and other people with mobility restrictions. Add a medical pendant to your smart home and get quick access to monitoring specialists when you need it most. Dial (615) 908-3403 to design your system today.