How to prevent falls in your St. Paul home

Slipping on a loose rug or stumbling on an electrical cord could seem inconsequential to many, but they can be devastating for seniors. Truth be told, falls are the top cause of injury for adults over 65. If you’re a senior or a family member looking after a parent or grandparent, discover how to prevent falls in your St. Paul home, and see how innovative smart home features can make a difference.

Explore straightforward tips for preventing falls

Basic precautions will go a long way to keeping you or a loved one safeguarded. With that being said, you also have to look at the bigger picture and evaluate any health conditions that may make falls more likely.

• Inspect your home for hazards. Keep clothing, papers, boxes, and other assorted objects off the floor. Anchor rugs. Ensure hallways and common areas are free of power cords.
  
  
• Install safety measures. Simple home improvements like handrails beside stairs and grab bars in bathrooms can significantly improve safety. If you have steps, supplement your handrails with slip-resistant treads.
  
  
• Choose the right footwear. Loose slippers, flip-flops, heels, and worn-out shoes with smooth soles increase the chance of falls. Select shoes that fit well with solid support and non-skid soles.

Get advice from a medical professional

Aside from the simple precautions like keeping your floors clear, you need to assess your health and consult with a healthcare professional. Several medical conditions and prescriptions can increase your fall risk. Keep your routine healthcare checkups and vision exams, and make certain you understand the possible side effects of any new prescriptions.

Staying active is also important to maintain your flexibility, strength, and balance. Stay on a daily exercise plan approved by your medical provider. While exercise is crucial, you can also reduce extra movements and make life easier with a smart home.

Add convenience and safety with a smart home

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

• Mobile access: Leading smart homes can be controlled by mobile apps. You can adjust lighting and thermostat levels, lock your doors, and even arm your system without leaving your chair. 

• Voice commands: You don’t even need your phone to control your smart home! Connect your home to a smart speaker like Google Home or Amazon Alexa, then just speak an instruction to control equipment like lights and locks.

• Custom automation. Want to make life even more effortless? You can configure custom automation actions and let your equipment run independently. Set a scene at the end of the day and have your lights dim, system arm, thermostat update, and doors lock simultaneously.

In the worst-case scenario of a fall, a medical device that connects to your smart home monitoring specialists can be invaluable. A quick touch of a button can request assistance right away during times when each moment counts.

Stay safe in your St. Paul home with Vivint

Decrease the risk of falling and increase your safety with a Vivint alarm system in St. Paul. Smart home features like voice activation and home automation are a great fit for seniors and other people with mobility restrictions. Add a medical alert to your smart home and get instant access to monitoring agents during emergencies. Place a call to (651) 240-6686 to design your system today.