Gait Belt

A gait belt is a device used to transfer people from one position to another or from one thing to another. For example you would use a gait belt to move a patient from a standing position to a wheelchair. The gait belt is customarily made out of cotton webbing and a durable metal buckle on one end. The gait belt is worn around a patient's waist. The purpose for this is to put less strain on the back of the care giver and to provide support for the patient. One would use this device in a nursing home, a hospital, or facilities of that sort.

The proper way to apply it is to keep two fingers between the belt and the patient's body. Tighten it until it has just enough room for your fingers. If the belt is too loose you could either have it slip upward and injure the patient's chest (especially the female patient) or increase your risk for dropping them once the weight is put on the belt.

A gait belt should never be used as a restraint or on patients with G-tubes and avoided with patients who have catheters. Transfer from Sitting to Standing Position; Ambulation

The following is instructional from the U.S. Government Agency, OSHA website (cited below)

Description: Gait belts/transfer belts with handles

When to Use: Transferring residents who are partially dependent, have some weight-bearing capacity, and are cooperative. Transfers such as bed to chair, chair to chair, or chair to car; when repositioning residents in chairs; supporting residents during ambulation; and in some cases when guiding and controlling falls.

Points to Remember: More than one caregiver may be needed. Belts with padded handles are easier to grip and increase security and control. Always transfer to resident's strongest side. Use good body mechanics and a rocking and pulling motion rather than lifting when using a belt. Belts may not be suitable for ambulation of heavy residents or residents with recent abdominal or back surgery, abdominal aneurysm, etc. should not be used for lifting residents. Ensure belt is securely fastened and cannot be easily undone by the resident during transfer. Ensure a layer of clothing is between residents' skin and the belt to avoid abrasion. Keep resident as close as possible to caregiver during transfer. Lower bedrails, remove arms and foot rests from chairs, and other items that may obstruct the transfer.

http://www.osha.gov/ergonomics/guidelines/nursinghome/final_nh_guidelines.html