Patient falls continue to be the leading cause of injury among Veterans identified as a high fall-risk. To address this concern, the Community Living Center (CLC) explored reliable fall-prevention technologies that enhance staff responsiveness and Veteran safety.

The Patient is Up (PUP)-Sock system was selected as an effective solution, offering real-time monitoring for Veterans who are most at risk.

Reducing falls
We take every opportunity to enhance the quality of care by providing Veterans a safe environment and empowering them with tools that help maintain independence. PUP-Socks eliminate the need for traditional bed and chair alarms. They enhance Veteran safety by ensuring faster response times, which we believe will reduce fall-related injuries and the associated costs of lengthy recovery times. This system also helps prevent alarm fatigue among staff by ensuring alerts are meaningful and timely.

The CLC implemented the PUP-Socks system in mid-August, identifying an initial group of 27 high fall-risk Veterans to participate in the trial period.

How it works
PUP-Socks are equipped with nine pressure points located on the bottom of each sock that detect when a Veteran attempts to stand up. This alert signal transmits an alert to the badge worn by the nurses who are located nearest to the Veteran’s location, enabling rapid assistance. These alarm badges worn by the nurses are compact, about the size of a driver’s license, and immediately notify staff which room the Veteran is in. Once a nurse enters the room, the alert automatically clears, avoiding unnecessary notifications to other staff.

Veterans have reported the socks are comfortable and enjoy wearing them. They come
in various sizes, with anti-slip treads, and also have a dual purpose of serving as compression socks, since many Veterans have orthostatic hypotension. At the same time, it promotes resident dignity because Veterans are not required to have visible alarms attached to them or to their wheelchairs. When removing the signaling sensor, the socks are washable and reuseable. 

If you haven’t received your flu shot yet, it’s not too late.

Vaccination is the surest way to protect against getting the flu. Protect yourself and protect your loved ones by reducing your risk of influenza-associated illness and hospitalization. 

Ask your provider if you can be vaccinated during your next visit or schedule an appointment now. 

The Urgent Care Center's (UCC) hours are now Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on weekends and all federal holidays.

There is no change in the urgent care services provided during clinic hours. The UCC provides walk-in care for urgent, non-life-threatening symptoms, such as minor injuries and acute mental or physical illness beyond what can typically be managed in primary care clinics.

Eligible Veterans also have the option to go to an in-network urgent care provider without prior authorization. Find urgent care locations in your area.