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.

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