13 Apr Gait Belt
What is a Gait Belt?
A gait belt is a safety device that is used by caregivers to help a patient move. It is anywhere between 1 1/2 to 4 inches wide and up to 60 inches long. It can be made out of a wide variety of materials such as nylon or leather. It features a buckle so it is easy to use.
Exactly how is a gait belt used?
Using one of these belts is relatively easy. The steps include:
- Put the belt around the patient’s waist
- Secure the belt by using the buckle in the front
- Make sure the belt is snug and secure
- Grip the belt tightly, bend your knees, and lift
- Remove the gait belt when the person has been successfully moved
Different types of gait belts
The simplest gait belt is the easiest to use. It appears very similar to a regular belt, except that it is usually thicker and longer than a traditional belt. However, there are other types of gait belts to choose from.
Some gait belts come with convenient handles positioned around the belt. Strategically placed handles provide for a better grip on the belt, and because the handles are positioned differently, there are more movement options. For example, a belt with handles is easier to use when a patient is lying down than a traditional gait belt.
Some belts also include straps that wrap around the thighs. Although these belts can be more difficult to put on a patient, they are better at distributing weight evenly, which can make frequent lifting more comfortable.
When would a caregiver use a gait belt?
There are a number of instances when one of these belts may be used. Very commonly, they are used to help a patient move into or out of a wheelchair. Because of this, they are often used during the recovery period after a surgery.
They are frequently used when assisting seniors both in their home, as well as in facility settings. A caregiver may use a gait belt to help a patient get in and out of bed, into and out of chairs, and a gait belt can even be used to provide a patient with a little more stability as they walk.