One in four Americans over 65 falls each year, according to the CDC, making falls the leading cause of injury among older adults. Those numbers represent friends, parents, and grandparents whose independence can change in a single moment. In Biloxi, with its coastal charm and active lifestyle, preventing falls is key to enjoying the community fully and safely.

This article shares practical fall prevention tips that improve confidence, protect independence, and support daily living. Keep reading to discover clear, effective ways to reduce risks and create safer days ahead.

Stay Active With Balance and Strength Exercises

Regular movement builds more than just muscle. Staying active improves flexibility, coordination, and confidence with every step. Even light activity goes a long way toward reducing the risk of falls, since it strengthens the legs and core.

Many safe and enjoyable options exist for staying active. Walking outdoors on Biloxi’s coastal trails offers fresh air and steady movement. Stretching in the morning keeps muscles limber.

Gentle programs such as tai chi or yoga provide balance exercises for seniors that reduce stiffness and improve posture.

At SummerHouse Bay Cove, senior-specific wellness classes are available daily. These guided sessions are structured to support safety, yet they also give residents motivation to keep moving with friends.

Choose Proper Footwear

Shoes are a bigger part of fall prevention than many realize. Footwear that grips the ground and fits properly makes every step safer. Slippers, slick soles, and high heels often increase the chances of slipping, tripping, or stumbling.

Good shoes should feel sturdy and supportive. For instance, sneakers with nonslip bottoms or walking shoes with cushioned insoles both help improve stability.

Residents in assisted living settings benefit from communities that encourage daily mobility, since the environment tends to be designed for safety.

Here are a few senior safety tips related to footwear choices:

• Pick shoes with firm midsoles and non-skid bottoms
• Replace worn shoes that have smoothed-out treads
• Wear socks with grips if shoes are off indoors

Keep Living Spaces Free of Hazards

Clutter is often one of the hidden causes of falls. Electrical cords, throw rugs, stacks of magazines, or even small spills on the floor all increase risks. Taking small steps to organize living areas makes movement easier and safer.

Some practical ways to reduce these risks include:

• Keep walkways clear of loose cords and small furniture
• Secure rugs with slip-resistant pads or remove them
• Store daily essentials on shelves or counters within reach

Apartments at SummerHouse Bay Cove are thoughtfully designed with this in mind. Open floor plans, reachable storage, and maintained flooring all make avoiding falls in seniors easier. A clean, hazard-free living space provides peace of mind and reduces the chance of unexpected accidents.

Improve Lighting Throughout the Home

Poor lighting often hides risks that should be easy to see. Shadows can conceal a rug edge or a step, and moving around at night without clear light can be risky. Bright, well-placed lights improve visibility in every room and hallway.

Simple updates make a noticeable difference:

• Night lights in hallways and bathrooms prevent stumbling during evening hours
• Lamps close to the bed give easy access to light when waking up at night
• Light switches near entrances, or even glow-in-the-dark models, add convenience and safety

SummerHouse Bay Cove’s community spaces are designed with these features in mind. Brightly lit hallways and common areas increase visibility, which supports assisted living safety on a daily basis.

Use Supportive Equipment When Needed

Supportive equipment helps create safer living spaces and increases independence. Grab bars in bathrooms, handrails on stairs, and nonslip treads on steps are simple tools that improve safety. A sturdy shower seat and a hand-held shower nozzle are particularly useful for bathing without strain.

In some respects, mobility aids like canes or walkers may also be necessary. These tools support balance and provide confidence while walking.

Consultation with a healthcare provider can help determine what equipment is best suited for each person’s needs.

At SummerHouse Bay Cove, apartments and community areas include handicap accessibility features. Wide hallways, supportive railings, and thoughtfully planned layouts reduce fall risks and make spaces more comfortable.

Maintain Regular Health Checkups

Vision and hearing play a major role in balance. Poor eyesight can make obstacles difficult to notice, and hearing loss might affect awareness of the surroundings. Regular checkups allow early detection of issues that could raise the risk of falls.

Medication reviews are equally valuable. Some prescriptions have side effects like dizziness, which may cause instability.

According to the Office of Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, talking with a provider about all medications (both prescribed and over-the-counter) helps reduce fall risk.

While SummerHouse Bay Cove assists with medication management, residents work with their own providers for adjustments. Staying consistent with appointments supports independence and lowers fall risks over time.

Participate in Wellness and Social Activities

Staying engaged socially and physically is a little like insurance against inactivity. Isolation sometimes leads to sitting more, which weakens muscles and balance. Group activities, on the other hand, encourage movement, energy, and connection.

Wellness classes, walking clubs, or group exercise are practical fall prevention activities that keep seniors active. Community events such as music nights, game groups, or outings into Biloxi also encourage residents to stay involved and mobile.

SummerHouse Bay Cove offers a variety of daily programs that mix wellness with social interaction. These activities, along with the Gulf Coast’s lively cultural scene, provide meaningful opportunities to stay strong, safe, and connected.

Simple Fall Prevention Tips for a Safer Tomorrow

Falls can be prevented with simple changes, including regular exercise, sensible shoes, clutter-free spaces, better lighting, and the right supportive equipment. These fall prevention tips protect independence and encourage safer, more active living.

At SummerHouse Bay Cove, we make safety part of everyday life with senior-specific wellness classes, thoughtfully designed apartments, and inviting community spaces overlooking Biloxi Bay. Our person-centered care, combined with enriching daily activities and easy access to area hospitals, sets us apart in Biloxi.

Schedule a tour today and see how SummerHouse Bay Cove helps make every day safer and more fulfilling.