Using a Gait Belt

What is a Gait Belt?

A Gait Belt is used for safe handling and mobility at hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, or also in the homes. It aides people with any injuries, brittle joints, or old age. These are sturdy belts. A patient must be at least partially ambulatory, that means, they must be able to handle their own weight to some extent to use the belt. It allows the caregiver to offer assistance to the patient with performing routine tasks such as walking.

Even though the proper use for patients is not only limited to licensed practitioners. It is, however, of utmost importance to learn the proper body mechanics that will help to avoid any injury.

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Gait Belt Uses for Patient Mobility

• For Patient Transfer Assistance
  

  While moving a patient from their bed to a wheelchair or vice-versa, a transfer gait belt with handles is generally used for better grip. The patient puts his/her arms around the caregiver’s waist, thus providing support to both.

• For Patient Walking Assistance
  

  During recovery, a patient may be advised by their doctor to get some exercise every day in the form of walking. A trained physiotherapist, caregiver or even a family member can assist the patient with walking. It will allow the assistance provider to get a good hold of the patient while assisting them off the bed and even when the patient attempts to walk on their own. The handles offer a far better hold than traditional padded ones.

• Gait Belts Prevent Accidents
  

  There are some cases when a patient is weak that they tend to fall easily. In such an instance, a caregiver can support the patient together with the patient’s efforts. So, a Padded Gait Belt with handles and leg support can help caregivers keep a better hold of the patient.

• For Preventing Back Injury of The Care Provider
  

  When assisting a sick, injured, or an old patient, it is possible at times that a caregiver will be on the receiving end of an injury. The belt minimizes the risk of getting a back injury which could otherwise be life-threatening for the caregiver. The teeth of the buckle are placed safely for providing maximum comfort to the patient.

  Several factors go into providing the best mobility assistance to patients, and one of them includes using walking and padded gait belt with handles made by a trustworthy company like Medtrica.

Why Is Gait Belt A Better Option?

Making use of a comfortable gait belt when helping a patient to walk or while transferring a patient provides both the patient and the caretaker increased security and safety. Here’s why using a hospital gait belt is a better option:

• Assists the caretaker in moving the patient from one place to the other
• Helps caretakers to help raise a patient without straining their back
• Allows a caretaker to stabilise a patient who loses balance while walking
• Safeguards the patient and caretaker from unwanted injuries

Every physical therapy gait belt sports a handle that helps to effortlessly grasp on to the belt to stabilise the patient. So, it’s a great patient transfer belt to consider using.

When Should I Use a Gait Belt?

It would help if you used a Gait Belt only when the patient has some weight-bearing capacity or is partially dependent. When you have to lift or transfer a patient, it is proper medical equipment to use. It makes the process much easier for both the caretaker and the patient. If you assist someone regularly with walking or moving around, it is good to consider buying this patient transfer belt. If you use this correctly, it can help in cutting down the hassles involved in the task and reduces the risk of possible back injuries. 

Here are Few Circumstances for Gait Belt Uses: 

• When you want to safely transfer a patient from a wheelchair to bed or vice versa
• When you want to help a patient with standing and sitting
• When you want to accompany a patient while walking around
• When it involves anything with moving or lifting a patient
• When there are senior citizens at home, you can use a gait belt for elderly

Now that you know when you should use this transfer assisting equipment make sure you purchase good quality gait belt with handles and a metal buckle for added safety. With this belt around the waist of the patient, as a caretaker, you don’t need to worry about any problems in the process of transferring the person. One thing to keep in mind is that this belt is only an assistive device and should not be used for lifting or moving patients outright.

How to use a Gait Belt?

It is really handy when you have to lift someone, transfer them to/from bed to wheelchair or simply assist them in movements. A patient needs to be at least partially capable of holding onto their own body weight. Whether you are a caregiver or just someone helping out your loved one, you must accustom yourself with the proper body mechanics required to do this task on a regular basis. This will help you to not overexert yourself and also avoid any injury.

Step To Take While Using A Gait Belt Either To lift A Patient:

1. Before you put on a gait around the patient, help them to achieve a sitting position, preferably on the edge of the bed facing you.

2. Inform the care recipient that you will be placing it around them.

3. Assure the patient it will be taken off their waist once the task has finished.

4. Place the belt around the patient’s midsection with the buckle facing the front side. If the patient has a weak bladder, do not tighten the buckle directly over it, instead, place it slightly off-centre and make it more comfortable that way.

5. Also, ensure that the patient is wearing clothes before you put it on. If they have weak skin, it is best to place a towel in between the belt and their body. Typically, you should be able to slide two fingers in between the two.

6. Before you help them stand on their feet, ensure that it is tightly snug in place. Ensure everything once.

7. The patient must face the care receiver with knees bent and back straight.

8. When lifting a patient or transferring, place your arms around his or her waist and put your hand under the belt with your palm facing outwards. It will help you to reduce the effect of tightening the belt.

9. Use the ones with a good grip for better safety. 

Opt for modern designs made by companies like Medtrica who are pioneers in manufacturing medical products.

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Benefits of Gait Belts

Also known as transfer belts, gait belts are assistive safety devices used to transfer patients from one location to another. These are especially useful in cases where patients are immobile or are facing major discomfort in movement.

Here are 5 benefits of using gait belts over traditional ways of patient transfer.

• It Is Comfortable And Safe

The belt can be used if the patient is unwell. Older patients who may be frail or weak can also get the support they need during the transition without any risk of injury. A high-quality gait belt will have a non-slip plastic buckle or metal buckle to prevent the patient from sliding or falling from hospital bed air mattress or while walking.

• Help Caregivers Focus On The Patient And Not The Lifting

Another significant advantage is that the strain on the caregivers is minimal. Instead, they can focus on the patient’s comfort and ensure that they are transported carefully and safely. The caregiver can also use the handles, or place their hand underneath the gait belt for patients to remain steady.

• Protect The Caregivers

When a patient is manually moved by lifting and placing on a stretcher, the chances of them getting injured are higher. In fact, gait belts also provide physical relief to the caregivers when they are helping the patient.           

• They Are Good For Balance

A belt is strapped around a patient’s midsection, and can temporarily stabilize a weak or frail patient, or one with a postural problem for the duration of the transfer. This reduces the strain on the backbone or other parts of the body as well. They can be used to support patients while they walk if they are unable to walk without support.

• Offer Flexibility Based On Your Requirement

They can be horizontal or vertical, and hence suit a range of functions. They can be used for distances, such as across a large hospital or transfer from a bed to the washroom.

There are many kinds of transfer sling and gait belts available, ranging from their design to the material used – from cotton, canvas and leather to nylon. Some of them can offer a combination of waist straps, knee straps, floor leads and handles as well. So, choose one depending on the needs of your patients.

Different Types of Transfer Gait Belts with Their Sizes and Specification

There are different types of gait belts available in the market. From gait belt for elderly patients to gait belts with handles, you can find a vast variety in various sizes, made of different materials, and with different features. 

Generally, a gait belt’s width is around 3.8 to 10 centimetres (1 ½ to 4 inches), and length is about 137 to 152 centimetres (54 to 60 inches). The material of the patient transfer belt could be leather, nylon, or canvas with a metal buckle at one end. You can always seek suggestions from the patient’s healthcare provider to decide the best gait belt to use. The table below gives an insight into gait belt sizes and specifications.

Gait Belt Products Sizes and Specification

	Product Name	Description	Size
	Lift Sheet w/ Handles	Lift sheet is made of a heavy duty vinyl that is supported by 2 inch high strength nylon cross webbing. Allows up to seven attendants to lift, reposition or transfer patients significantly reducing the risk of injury. Vinyl is anti-static, radiolucent, stain and tear resistant. Can easily be disinfected and wiped clean	Bariatric Lift Sheet, Size: 108”L x 60”W (lifts up to 850lbs.) Standard Lift Sheet, Size: 84”L x 30”W Mini Lift Sheet, Size: 38”L x 24”W
	Lift Belt	Easy to use lift belt is designed to fit any waist size by simply adjusting and securing the belt. The individual can be moved comfortably and easily with either of the vertical or horizontal handles. Lined and widened back section for extra comfort and support.	Lift Belt, Size: Small 22” to 30” waist Lift Belt, Size: Medium 31” to 39” waist Lift Belt, Size: Large 40” to 48” waist Lift Belt, Size: X-Large 49” to 60” waist
	Lift Belt w/ leg support	The lift belt with leg support reduces the pressure or strain of lifting from around the waist and evenly distributes the pressure through the legs and waist for a more comfortable lift. Easy to use lift belt is designed to fit any waist and leg size by simply adjusting and securing the belt and leg straps. The individual can be moved comfortably and easily with either of the vertical or horizontal handles. Lined and widened back section for extra comfort and support.	Lift Belt w/ leg support, Size: Small 22” to 30” waist Lift Belt w/ leg support, Size: Medium 31” to 39” waist Lift Belt w/ leg support, Size: Large 40” to 48” waist Lift Belt w/ leg support, Size: X-Large 49” to 60” waist
	Gait Belt	Gait Belt made from Natural webbing. Metal ‘D” ring with hook and loop for quick closure. Full 1 year warranty.	Gait Belt, Size Small Gait Belt, Size Medium Gait Belt, Size Large Gait Belt, Size X- Large Gait Belt, Size XX-Large

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Best Gait Belt Buying Guide

You can find a wide variety of gait belts in the market, but how can you find out which one would make the best buy?

• Pay attention to the material of the hospital gait belt. Nylon ones are durable and easy to clean. If comfort is of more priority, opt for cotton belts. Gait belts made of cotton avoid skin irritations and reduce patient discomfort. You can find leather belts as well. 
• If you are looking for the best gait belt for elderly, choose those with padded handles. That makes it easier to grasp and increase security and safety. It is beneficial for caretakers as it decreases chafing of the skin.   
• Check the number of handles and straps in the gait belt. The more the number of handles and straps, the better would be the flexibility. 
• Consider the weight of the patient as well before buying. Opt for a universal size that can fit all. It can be comfortable for the patient as well as the caretaker.
• If the walking gait belt is machine washable, it is an added advantage for it would be easy to clean and maintain.

This buying guide can help you narrow down on the best gait belt. If you are looking for an alternative to gait belt, discuss it with the patient’s healthcare provider.