How to prevent falls in your Miami home

Stumbling on a power cord or sliding on a loose rug might seem minor to many, but they can be catastrophic for seniors. In fact, falls are the leading cause of injury for residents over 65. If you’re a senior or a relative watching over a loved one, find tips on how to prevent falls in your Miami home, and see how modern smart homes can help.
Simple tips to prevent falls
Basic precautions will go a long way to keeping you or a family member safe. Even so, you also have to look at the bigger picture and consider any health conditions that may raise your fall risk.
- Check for hazards throughout your home. Keep clothing, papers, boxes, and other objects off your floor. Tape down rugs. Ensure hallways and common areas are free of power cords.
- Install safety equipment. Standard home improvements like safety bars in bathrooms and railings beside stairs can make a noticeable difference. If you have steps, supplement your railings with slip-preventing treads.
- Choose sensible shoes. Flimsy slippers, flip-flops, heels, and worn-out shoes with slippery soles increase the risk of falling. Choose shoes that fit well with proper support and non-skid soles.
Get advice from a healthcare professional
Aside from the basics like keeping your floors clear, you need to consider your health and consult with a medical professional. Some medical conditions and medications can make you more vulnerable to falls. Keep your normal healthcare checkups and vision tests, and make certain you understand the possible side effects of any new medications.
Keeping active is also essential to maintain your strength, balance, and flexibility. Keep to a regular exercise routine approved by your healthcare provider. While exercise is crucial, you can also reduce unnecessary movements and make your life easier with a smart home.
Add safety and convenience with a smart home
Getting up and down repeatedly to turn on the lights, secure your door, or reset your thermostat isn’t necessary. A smart home will help! Here’s what you can do:
- Remote access: Many modern smart homes can be controlled by smartphone apps. You can turn lights off or on, reset your thermostat, secure your door, and even arm your security system without leaving your chair.
- Voice commands: You don’t even need a smartphone to control your devices! Connect your home’s security to a smart speaker, then just use your voice to control tools like locks and thermostats.
- Home automation. Want to make life even easier? You can configure smart automation actions and allow your components to operate automatically. Set a scene when you go to bed and have your security arm, thermostat adjust, door secure, and lights dim simultaneously.
If the unthinkable happens and you fall, a medical device that contacts your smart home monitoring team can be a lifesaver. A simple press of a button can summon help fast at times when every moment matters.
Stay safe in your Miami home with Vivint
Reduce the risk of falling and increase your safety with a Vivint security system in Miami. Smart home tools like voice commands and custom automation are a great fit for seniors and other residents with mobility restrictions. Add a medical device to your system and get immediate access to monitoring professionals during emergencies. Dial (786) 833-7988 to build your system today.