How to Walk With a Gait Belt

A gait belt is used by healthcare professionals to help elderly and disabled patients walk. By holding onto the gait belt, healthcare workers can guide the patient, provide extra support and safely help lower the patient to the ground if he starts to fall. Gait belts can also be used to help raise a patient without straining the worker’s back. Gait belts (also known as transfer belts) are generally between 2 and 4 inches wide and between 50 and 70 inches long. They are made of a strong cotton material and applied similarly to standard belts.

Things You'll Need

• Gait belt
• Walker or cane (if needed)
• Proper footwear for the patient (socks with grips on the sole, slippers or shoes)

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Instructions

Preparation

• 1

  Position the walker or cane near the bed or chair within easy reach.

• 2

  Position the patient in a comfortable sitting position if possible. Use good body mechanics if you must move the patient so you don’t strain your back.

• 3

  Place the belt over the patient’s clothing and around the patient’s waist. Adjust it so it fits snugly around the waist. If it is too tight, it will be uncomfortable for the patient and you won’t be able to get a good grip. If it is too loose, it will slide down over the hips or up over the ribs. Ensure the patient cannot easily pull it off. The buckle should be positioned slightly off center in the front to prevent injury.

• 4

  Check the belt’s fit. You should be able to fit two fingers underneath the belt in the back.

• 5

  Put the footwear on the patient, making sure shoes are tied firmly and that clothing will not interfere with walking.

• 6

  Stand facing the patient with your feet directly in front of theirs. (If there is a possibility of the patient’s feet sliding, place your feet on either side of the patient’s feet instead.) Position the patient’s hands so that the palms are on either side of his torso, pushing down on the mattress. (If this is not possible, rest the patient’s arms on your forearms.)

• 7

  Bend your knees while keeping your back straight. Wrapping your arms around the patient, grasp the gait belt firmly in the back with both hands.

• 8

  Count to three out loud (to alert the patient), straighten your knees and, with a rolling motion, use the gait belt to help the patient to stand. Give the patient a moment to get his balance.

Walking

• 9

  Continue to hold the belt as you move to the patient’s side but slightly behind him. Hold the belt with one hand in the back and use the other to hold the belt on the side.

• 10

  Help the patient to stand straight and encourage him to step forward. Stay behind the patient, grasping the belt for support.

• 11

  If the patient starts to fall, use the belt to slowly guide the patient downward with his spine gliding down the front of your leg. Protect his head as he reaches the floor. Call for help before trying to raise him. Follow facility guidelines for checking for injury and raising the patient.

Ending

• 12

  Position the patient in front of his chair or bed, stand in front of him as you did in Preparation Step 6 above and use the gait belt to guide him back to a sitting position.

• 13

  Remove the gait belt and position the patient as desired, sitting or lying down. Follow patient safety guidelines specified by the facility. (i.e., make sure the bed or chair is in a safe position and location. Place the call signal within his reach. Raise side rails if appropriate. ) Make sure the patient is in good body alignment and position pillows and bed linens as necessary for patient comfort and dignity.

• 14

  If required, record the distance, time and date the patient walked.

• 15

  Store the gait belt according to facility guidelines. Make sure it does not dangle or lay on the floor as it could be a fall hazard. Some healthcare professionals wear them around their own waists so as to have them handy as needed.