RED OR YELLOW? Use colored socks to identify fall-risk patients.

SLIPPER SIGNALS
Yellow Socks Signify Fall-Risk Patients

We turn to patients' feet to identify which ones are ambulatory and which ones are at risk for falling. At our hospital, patients identified as ambulatory receive red slipper socks, while those who are at risk for falling get yellow ones. Both colors have grippy material on the top and bottom to provide traction no matter how they're put on. Every employee is taught the difference. If a yellow-socked patient is walking alone, a staff member can immediately stop her, offer help and prevent a possible fall.

Diana Kuhn, RN
San Gorgonio Memorial Hospital
Cherry Valley, Calif.
[email protected]