The Gait Belt is designed to be used for standing patients from a chair, and walking with the patient.
The Belt will give the nurse something to hold on to in case the patient has trouble walking. It may give more confidence to the frail patient to walk unassisted, but safe in the knowledge that the nurse can help them if needed.
Quite often nurses will walk with the belt around their own waist. Then when they are going to walk with a patient they take it off themselves and fit it around the patient’s waist. It can be adjusted to size.
Note: Some people feel this Gait Belt is not wide enough. These products below are more popular because they are much wider and more comfortable:
Item # 522
Minimum Size: 51cm / 20″
Maximum Size: 115cm / 45″
Width 5cm / 2″
Wash up to 80°C (176°F). Air or tumble dry on a cool setting, ensuring the drum is cool. Ensure the product is dry before using or storing.
General Manual Handling Warning: Manual Handling products are designed to assist carers to help patients. They will not make the carer stronger or fitter, but with correct training and use of the products, should make manual handling easier and safer for both staff and patients. When training, practise with an able-bodied colleague. If any procedure is not comfortable or is difficult and puts the carer or patient in a dangerous position, the participants should call out to stop the manoeuvre, recover and recommence. Never jeopardise your health by straining, twisting or being incorrectly positioned when manual handling. Always select the most appropriate equipment for the patient’s current condition and if in doubt, use mechanical equipment. Ask your Manual Handling adviser for individual guidance.
What sizes does the Gait Belt go to?
Minimum size: 51cm / 21″, maximum size: 115cm / 45″.
What is the difference between the Handi Lift Walk Belt, the Soft Transfer Belt and the Gait Belt?
The Gait Belt was the first walking & transferring belt we made many years ago. It has more or less been superseded by both the Handi Lift Walk Belt and the Soft Transfer Belt, which are much wider and more comfortable than the Gait Belt. The Soft Transfer Belt is entirely padded, whereas the other two are not (only the handles of the Handi Lift Walk Belt are padded). The Soft Transfer Belt also uses an adjustable buckle at the front (so it can be used for a variety of sizes of people), while the Handi Lift Walk Belt comes in different sizes.
