A color-coded wrist band will identify patients / residents at highest fall risk and a color coded magnet on their door or wall will alert nursing staff that he or she requires extra care to avoid falls.
Purpose of a fall risk wristband and magnet:
- Identify patients/residents who are at risk for falls
- To quickly communicate to staff the fall risk status of patients/residents
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How to use a fall risk wristband and magnet::
- Any patient / resident demon- strating risk factors on initial assessment will have a yellow color-coded wristband placed on the same extremity as the admission identification band and a fall risk magnet placed on the patient's/resident's bedroom door and/or on wall above their bed.
- Any patient/resident with a yellow wristband/magnet cannot be left unattended in the bathroom or in their room unless they are in bed.
- Any patient/resident wearing a fall risk alert wristband needs to be assisted when walking or getting up from a sedentary position.
- The application of the color-coded wristband/magnet is documented in the patient's/resident's chart by the nurse.
- In the event that the color-coded wristband has to be removed for a treatment or procedure, a nurse will remove the band. Upon completion of the treatment or procedure, a new band will be provided by the nurse.
Posted May 2010
