How to prevent falls in your Evanston home
Stumbling on a power cord or losing your balance on an unsecured rug might seem inconsequential to many, but these mishaps can be catastrophic for seniors. In fact, falls are the top cause of injury for people over 65. If you’re a senior or a family member looking after a parent or grandparent, find tips on how to prevent falls in your Evanston home, and see how innovative smart homes can make a difference.
Simple tips to prevent falls
Simple precautions will go a long way to keeping you or a family member protected. However, you also must take a big-picture approach and think about any medical-related issues that may raise the chance of falls.
- Assess your home for hazards. Keep clothing, papers, boxes, and other random belongings off your floor. Secure rugs. Ensure walking areas are free of power cords.
- Install safety features. Standard home improvements like safety bars in bathrooms and handrails next to stairs can make a noticeable difference. If you use steps, supplement your railings with non-slip treads.
- Choose sensible footwear. Loose slippers, flip-flops, heels, and worn-out shoes with no tread left raise the risk of falls. Find shoes that fit with solid support and non-skid soles.
Seek guidance from healthcare professionals
Beyond the simple precautions like keeping objects off your floors, you need to assess your health and seek guidance from a doctor. Several medical conditions and medications can elevate your fall risk. Keep your routine healthcare checkups and vision exams, and make sure you understand the possible side effects of new medicines.
Staying active is also important to maintain your balance, strength, and flexibility. Stick to a regular exercise regimen approved by your doctor. While exercise is essential, you can also eliminate unnecessary activity and make life simpler with a smart home.
Boost safety and convenience with a smart home
Constantly getting up and down to switch lights on or off, secure your door, or reset your thermostat isn’t necessary. A smart home can help! Here’s what you can do:
- Remote access: Top smart homes are controlled by cell phone apps. You can turn lights off or on, adjust your thermostat, secure your door, and even arm your security system without getting up.
- Voice commands: 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 equipment like lights and locks.
- Home automation. Want to make life even simpler? You can set custom automation actions and let your equipment operate independently. Set a scene when you go to bed and have your lights dim, security arm, thermostat update, and doors lock automatically.
If the unthinkable happens and you fall, a medical alert that contacts your smart home monitoring specialists can be a lifesaver. A quick press of a button can summon assistance right away during times when every second matters.
Live safer and smarter in your Evanston home with Vivint
Decrease the risk of falling and increase your safety with a Vivint alarm system in Evanston. Smart home tools like voice commands and home automation are a great fit for seniors and others with mobility issues. Add a medical device to your system and get instant access to monitoring agents during emergencies. Dial (847) 925-7636 to create your system today.