When & Why Caregivers Should Use A Gait Belt
As a caregiver, you may need to provide support with your care recipient’s mobility. Whether they have challenges with balance, are recovering from a recent surgery or injury, or are getting accustomed to a new walker, it’s important that they find ways to move around safely.
It’s important to know how to help your care recipient with their mobility and transfers while also keeping yourself safe. Trualta has an extensive learning library of resources on safe positioning, transfers, and mobility for caregivers. Check if you have free access.
What Is A Gait Belt?
A gait belt is a nylon or canvas belt with a metal buckle or a plastic buckle that fastens around a person’s waist. Some types also come with padding or large handles. These devices allow a caregiver to hold onto a person while they walk or move around. This helps offer them stability. Gait belts are also sometimes known as walking belts.
A transfer belt is similar. It allows a caregiver to hold onto a person while they move through a transfer to offer them stability. While a gait belt and a transfer belt are technically different, they’re often used interchangeably.
When Should I Use A Gait Belt?
A gait belt or transfer belt is usually used with a patient who is “partially dependent” or requires assistance with their mobility, also known as “ambulation”. This means that they need some sort of support from a mobility device or a person to move, transfer, or keep their balance. Gait belts can be used if your loved one is able to bear weight through their legs. A gait belt can be used in a hospital, rehab facility, or home.
A gait belt may not be appropriate for every person. Here are some examples of when you can use a gait belt:
- Transferring between surfaces. For example, from a bed to a chair.
- Transferring from different positions. For example, from standing to sitting.
- While moving around. For example, walking or with a mobility aid.
3 Reasons Why You Should Use A Gait Belt
1. Helps Prevent Falls
A gait belt allows you to steady your care recipient and support their balance while they move or transfer. Your care recipient can still wear a gait belt while they use an independent mobility device, like a walker or cane. By improving their steadiness, you can help reduce the risk of falls.Â
In healthcare settings, gait belts can also be used to assist a person safely down to the floor if they lose balance and begin to fall. Research shows that using gait belts can help prevent injurious falls in older adults. Talk to a healthcare professional, like an occupational therapist (OT) or physical therapist (PT), for instructions on how to do this safely.
2. Helps Prevent Caregiver Injuries
Using a gait belt or transfer belt can help caregivers prevent musculoskeletal injuries. Giving caregivers a sturdy place to hold helps them have better balance, control, and stability while helping with mobility and transfers. This helps prevent strain on a caregiver’s:
- Hips
- Arms
- Back
Additionally, many caregivers hold a care recipient’s pants or belt loops to help them move or transfer. These are less reliable. Belt loops can break, or you may not have a good grip if they lose their balance.
3. Supports Independence With Daily Activities
Gait belts can help your care recipient feel supported and secure while they perform activities of daily living. For example, standing up from the toilet or standing while getting dressed.
Gait belts can help support your care recipient’s confidence in their mobility and help keep you both safe. Talk to a nurse, OT, or PT before using a gait belt with your care recipient. They can train you on how to use the gait belt properly. These professionals can assess your care recipient’s mobility and safety. They can help you determine:
- Which type of gait belt is best for their needs.
- Whether a gait belt is enough support for their abilities.
- If they (or you) would be safer using a different device.
Looking for more information on transfers, mobility, and other caregiving challenges? Check if you have free access to Trualta.
References
- https://www.otdude.com/reference-guides/proper-transfer-techniques/#Gait_Belt
- https://www.performancehealth.com/articles/gait-belts-what-they-are-and-how-to-use-them-effectively?srsltid=AfmBOopRE_z3nb33xqtW_CI1dtMhzfVZm5Mxpfw7VNQckYT1K0jCw_e4
- https://www.rehabmart.com/post/transfer-belts-vests-choosing-the-best-for-your-needs?srsltid=AfmBOopBI9mmIy0oqoStRNRMyAOiJE0JBvnCxx3yT4qWVj9M5GjFndGp
- https://www.securesafetysolutions.com/gait-belts-what-are-they-and-how-to-use-a-gait-belt-effectively/?srsltid=AfmBOooRQWJqRn8SzAVMIp_Yss–Cu8dGLz3VKbsYh3gAOZlWYNeO_qh
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6907170/
- https://www.med.umich.edu/1libr/FallsPreventionCommittee/UsingAGaitBelt.pdf
- https://www.medline.com/strategies/safe-mobility/gait-belt-option-tips/
- https://www.myamericannurse.com/gait-belts-101-a-tool-for-patient-and-nurse-safety/
- https://www.alimed.com/the-importance-of-gait-belts-for-safe-patient-handling-blog/#:~:text=Gait%20belts%20enable%20caregivers%20to,to%20the%20patient%20during%20transfers.
