How to prevent falls in your Bellingham home

Slipping on a loose rug or tripping on a power cord might seem harmless to many, but these mishaps can be devastating for seniors. In reality, falls are the top cause of injury for residents over 65. If you are a senior or a relative caring for a loved one, find tips on how to prevent falls in your Bellingham home, and see how innovative smart homes can boost safety.

Discover simple tips for preventing falls

Straightforward 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 think about any health-related issues that could make falls more of a concern.

• Check for hazards around your home. Keep clothing, papers, boxes, and other random objects off the floor. Secure rugs. Ensure walkways are free of power cords.
  
  
• Install safety equipment. Simple home improvements like safety bars in bathrooms and railings next to stairs can make a noticeable difference. If you have steps, supplement your handrails with non-slip treads.
  
  
• Choose sensible shoes. Unsupportive slippers, heels, flip-flops, and old shoes with smooth soles raise the risk of falling. Find options that fit with proper support and non-skid soles.

Talk to your doctor

In addition to the basic precautions like keeping your floors clear, you need to think about your health and get advice from a healthcare professional. Certain medical conditions and medicines can make you more susceptible to falls. Keep your regular checkups and vision exams, and make certain you know the potential side effects of your medicines.

Remaining active is also important to maintain your flexibility, strength, and balance. Stay on a regular exercise plan approved by your healthcare 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

Repeatedly getting up and down to adjust lights, lock your door, or change your thermostat can be avoided. A smart home can help! Here’s what you can do:

• Smartphone access: Leading smart homes can be controlled by smartphone apps. You can adjust thermostat and light levels, lock your doors, and even arm your security without getting up. 

• Voice activation: You don’t even need your phone to control your smart home! Connect your system to a smart speaker like Google Home or Amazon Alexa, then just use your voice to control devices like lights and locks.

• Custom automation. Want to make life even more effortless? You can program smart automation actions and allow your devices to activate automatically. Set a comprehensive scene when you go to bed and have your security arm, thermostat update, door lock, and lights lower simultaneously.

In the worst-case scenario of a fall, a medical pendant that connects to your smart home monitoring specialists can be critical. A quick touch of a button can get you help fast at times when every second counts.

Live safer and smarter in your Bellingham home with Vivint

Reduce the risk of falling and live smarter with a Vivint home security system in Bellingham. Smart home features like custom automation and voice commands are perfect for seniors and other people with mobility restrictions. Add a medical pendant to your smart home and get immediate access to monitoring specialists when you need it most. Call (360) 968-8970 to create your system today.