Wet floors are a fall hazard that can be graded according to the materials used in the floor construction, drains, and bath mats.
Within ACL 5.2, the person usually pays attention to the wet floor when someone tells them to but does not anticipate a potential fall. Someone will probably need to tell then to use a grab bar, dry the floor with a towel and move slowly. They will probably learn a new, demonstrated procedure. The realistic goal within ACL 5.2 and 5.4 is learning to follow safety precautions independently within 4 to 6 sessions.
The family or facility may have to make a choice between the person's privacy when they are naked and the risk of falling on a slippery floor. Part of the decision may be influenced by how slippery a particular floor covering is.
Physical Impairments
All of the therapists providing services to people with physical impairments need to pay attention, especially when the impairment is caused by a cerebral vascular accident. Treatment goals that aim to teach people about wet floors assume that the person can pay attention and determine that the floor is wet. The assumption is often wrong, and the goal is unrealistic. Failure to meet the goal is predictable.
To avoid making this mistake, use the ACLS-6 to rule out a cognitive disability.
Not doing a rule out when the diagnosis is cerebral vascular accident is good reason to deny payment for services because the services display ignorance when setting goals.