What is a Gait Belt?
A gait belt, also known as a transfer belt, is a device used to assist caregivers in supporting and transferring individuals who have difficulty walking or standing on their own. It is a long, adjustable belt that is secured around the waist of the individual to provide a secure grip for the caregiver during transfers or ambulation. Gait belts are typically made of durable materials such as nylon or cotton and have handles or loops attached for ease of use. They can help prevent falls and injuries during transfers and provide added support and stability for individuals with mobility issues. It also decreases the caregiver’s risk of a back injury while helping the person move or walk.
A Transfer belt is used when an individual is cooperative, partially ambulatory, and has some weight-bearing capacity. HPFY provides a huge collection of sturdy and durable gait belts from top brands like Sammons Preston, FabLife, ProCare, and many more.
Benefits of using a Transfer Belt
Here are some of the benefits of using a lift belt for the elderly:
- Helps in securely holding a person
- Assists a patient to sit or stand
- Helps in patient transfers from bed, chair, wheelchair, or car
- Provides balance and stability to the patient and the caregiver while standing
- Prevents falls and accidents
- Minimizes the risk of back injury for the caregiver
- Supports patient’s movement
How to use a Gait belt?
According to a CDC survey, 18% of adults aged 18 or above find difficulty in walking or climbing stairs. In the case of seniors and the elderly, the numbers would be even more. A lift belt is crucial for people having trouble making movement. One can use the gait belt in the following manner:
- Wrap the belt around the person’s waist over the clothing with the handles in front
- Lock the belt properly and tighten it till it is comfortable. Ensure the belt is snug fit, not too tight.
- Make sure there is room to slide your two fingers between the gait belt and the person’s torso.
- Lean forward and hold the belt on both sides and lift the person.
- Lift or move with the arm and leg muscles; do not use back muscles.
- Avoid twisting your body while lifting or moving the person
- Keep a secure & firm hold on the belt while the patient moves.
- Remove the transfer belt when you are done lifting, moving, or walking with the person.
Indications
Here are some specific situations where a gait belt may be appropriate:
- When the individual has difficulty walking or standing on their own.
- When the individual is at risk of falling during transfers.
- When the individual is recovering from an injury or surgery and requires additional support during transfers.
- When the individual has a history of falls or is at high risk of falling due to a medical condition or medication.
- When the caregiver needs to provide additional support and stability during transfers.
- When the individual is transitioning from a wheelchair to a bed, chair, or toilet.
Contraindications
Do not use a transfer belt if an individual:
Things to consider while buying a Lifting Belt for Elderly
- Size and Fit: Make sure to choose a lifting belt that fits the elderly individual properly. The belt should be adjustable and should fit snugly around the waist without being too tight or uncomfortable.
- Material: Look for a transfer belt made of sturdy and durable material, such as nylon or cotton, that can withstand frequent use and provide the necessary support.
- Padding: It should have adequate padding to provide comfort and prevent bruising or chafing on the elderly individual's skin.
- Weight Capacity: Choose a gait belt with a weight capacity that is appropriate for the elderly individual's needs. Be sure to check the manufacturer's specifications to ensure the belt can support the individual's weight.
- Ease of Use: Look for a belt that is easy to put on and take off, and that can be adjusted quickly and easily.
- Safety Features: It should include safety features such as a buckle or locking mechanism to ensure the belt remains
3 Top Selling Transfer Belts
- MTS Safety Sure Transfer Belt
- Vive Transfer Belt with Waist Straps
- Medline Wide Gait Belt With Handles
Where to buy a Gait Belt online?
A gait belt is a great tool for a secure transfer of a person from the bed to a chair or wheelchair, as well as to assist in sitting, standing, and walking. When used appropriately, the gait belt protects the care recipients from falls and the caregivers from harming their backs. HPFY offers high-quality gait belts from top manufacturers like Performance Health, Humane Restraint, Posey, Skil Care, Essential Medical, etc., at affordable prices.
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FAQ's
Frequently asked questions
Using a gait belt while transferring or walking a patient provides the care giver and the patient increased safety and security. The caregiver can control a patient’s balance and keep the patient from falling with the help of a gait belt. It also decreases the chances of hurting your back.
- With the patient in a seated position, place the gait belt snugly at the patient’s.
- Fasten the buckle in front of the patient. The belt must be tied such that there is just enough room to get your fingers under the belt.
- When positioned correctly, the belt will be between the bottom of the patient’s rib cage and the top of the pelvis.
- The belt may loosen when the patient stands up, so be sure to tighten it again before further activity.
Be sure to use proper body mechanics to decrease the chance of hurting your back:
- Bend your knees and keep your back straight.
- Tighten your abdominal muscles to protect your back
- Lift using your leg muscles. Do not use your back muscles.
- Do not twist your body while moving or lifting a patient.
A gait belt must not be placed on the abdomen in case of:
- Recent abdominal surgery or back surgery with a healing or tender incision
- Pregnancy
- Umbilical or inguinal hernia
- PEG tube
- Colostomy or ileostomy
Place the gait belt higher on the trunk at the level of the armpits. It still needs to be snug and may need to be tightened when the patient stands. If the patient is female, be sure it is not over her breasts.
You can minimize the risk of falling by using gait/transfer belts with handles that permit the safe assist of a person who retains some weight-bearing capacity. Raising and lowering a patient becomes much easier with these walking belts and gait belts for patient mobility.
