Which footwear is recommended when assisting a resident to the bathroom to prevent falls?

• A. Sandals
• B. Non-skid shoes with laces tied
• C. Bare feet
• D. Sneakers without laces tied

Answer: (B)

The safety goal here is to reduce fall risk by ensuring footwear provides good traction and stays securely on the foot during transfers to the bathroom. Non-skid shoes with laces tied offer a stable, closed-toe option with a non-slip sole that grips wet tile, helping prevent slips. Securing the laces keeps the shoe firmly in place, reducing the chance of tripping or losing a shoe mid-transfer.

Sandals have open toes and often loose straps that can shift or catch on equipment, increasing slip and trip risk. Bare feet provide no traction or protection and can easily slip on wet surfaces. Sneakers without laces tied can stay loose or come untied, which may cause the shoe to loosen or snag during movement, creating a fall hazard.