All caregivers want safe and comfortable transfers and gait belts significantly help in them. Whether it is moving patients from one room to another or assisting them to sit or stand, caregivers need the transfer belt in multiple situations. Transfer belts with handles help caregivers alleviate the pressure and facilitate easy and injury-free movements. Commonly transfer belts or gait belts come in sizes that range between 50 and 60 inches and sports width ranging from 1 ½ to 4 inches. Moreover, it appears similar to your regular belts that provide support to the patients as well as the caregivers.
There are different types of gait belts available in the market, which can make the decision-making process quite perplexing. However, this article is your perfect guide in choosing the ideal gait belt for your patients or loved ones.
The Level Of Support
When patients need additional support, you should opt for a gait belt that hassling attached to it. This type of belt comes with adjustable support that encompasses waits as well as the lumbar area, providing excellent hip and trunk stability. Such extra support means the caregiver has more control over the movement. This sling acts as a strong extension for your arms, providing proper support and strength to both patient and caregiver. Transfer belts with sling come in different sizes; therefore it fits people with all sizes.
Accessibility
When patients need emergency medical attention due to some respiratory, cardiovascular, neurological, etc., transfer belts with handles prove to be an ideal choice. As the name suggests, these belts come with handles that provide a fast and secure hold to the caregivers or medical staff to facilitate the transfer. Considering that patients wear this belt over their clothes, it gives instant access to the caregivers. There are transfer belts that not only provide ambulation support but also offer comfortable postural compression and support.
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How To Use A Gait Belt?
When you look at a gait belt, it appears quite easy to use, and it is, but there are certain things that you should keep in mind. If you put the belt above the belly button, it is most likely to slip out. The reason behind it is quite straightforward. When putting use something that tight, you are typically breathing in and holding. So when you change the size of the stomach, it might end up becoming too tight or loose when you exhale.
The right place to secure the gait belt is around the hip bones where the belt continues to hold the position, irrespective of the breathing. To tighten the belt, move the slack through the teeth and take it up from the open end of the buckle. Once you have secured the belt around the patients’ waist, put two fingers between the body and belt to see whether or not your fingers are fitting well. It will ensure that the belt is secured properly and it is not too tight or loose to cause any injuries.
