Ads by Google
What is it? A gait belt is also called a transfer belt. This is a device used for safety when moving a person from one place to another. The belt is also used to help hold up a weak person to prevent a fall while walking. Wearing this belt around your waist allows someone to grip the belt to help you stand or walk.
Why do you need it? You may need to wear a gait belt because you are too weak to stand or walk alone. Also, you may need it when going from one place to another like from your bed to a chair.
What kind of belt should you wear? There are several kinds of gait belts. Usually a gait belt is about 1-1/2 to 4 inches (3.8 to 10 cm) wide and 54 to 60 inches (137 to 152 cm) long. The belt is made of canvas, nylon, or leather with a buckle at one end. Some gait belts are about 3 feet (1 meter) long with handles on the sides and back. How to use the gait belt? The following steps will help you use a gait belt.
Tell the person the belt is used to prevent falls and that it will be removed after the transfer.
Put the belt around the waist over the clothing with the buckle in front. If the person wearing the belt is female, be sure the belt is not over her breasts.
Thread the belt through the teeth of the buckle. Put the belt through the other 2 openings to lock it.
Be sure the belt is snug with just enough room to get your fingers under it.
When moving a person, use good body mechanics to prevent injuring your back.
Bend your knees and keep your back straight. Let the muscles of your upper legs do the work and not your back. Do not twist your body while moving or lifting a person.
Safety gait belt