Before assisting a resident to stand, what footwear safety check should be performed?

• A. Ensure non-skid soles are on footwear
• B. Ensure socks are on
• C. Ensure slippers are warm
• D. Ensure shoes are untied

Answer: (A)

Before assisting a resident to stand, the most important footwear safety check is that the shoes have non-slip (non-skid) soles. Non-slip soles provide traction on the floor, reducing the chance of slipping as the resident shifts weight and stands, which helps prevent falls during transfers.

Socks alone don’t offer grip and can still slip on slick surfaces. Slippers can be loose or poorly fitted and may slip off or bunch, creating a tripping hazard. The warmth of slippers isn’t a safety factor for standing and transferring. While securing laces and ensuring proper overall footwear are important, the key feature that directly lowers fall risk in this situation is a non-slip sole.