How can you reduce a resident's risk of falls when they are seated in a chair?

• A. Ensure feet are flat on the floor, use a sturdy chair with armrests, keep the floor dry, and keep pathways clear.
• B. Place the feet on tiptoes and sit in a soft chair.
• C. Leave the floor wet to prevent slips.
• D. Use a chair without armrests to increase mobility.

Answer: (A)

Keeping a resident safe in a chair centers on stability and a hazard-free environment. When feet are flat on the floor, the lower body is grounded, which helps prevent sliding and loss of balance. A sturdy chair with armrests provides solid support for sitting down and standing up, giving the resident something to push against if they need to rise or steady themselves while seated. Dry floors eliminate slipping risks, and clear pathways prevent trips or obstacles from catching a walker, chair, or feet as the resident moves.

Choosing feet on tiptoes compromises stability by shifting the center of gravity and reducing contact with the floor. A soft chair may compress under weight and offer less support, making balance harder. A wet floor creates a slip hazard, and a chair without armrests removes a key source of support for safe transfers and posture.