July 2025

Gait Belts

A gait belt is a safety device used to help someone move, such as from a bed to a chair. The belt is also used to help hold someone up while he walks, if he is too weak to walk on his own. The gait belt helps you provide support and helps prevent a fall. It also decreases your risk for a back injury while you help the person move or walk.

How to Transfer an Individual:

1. Wash Hands

2. Explain to the individual what you are going to do.

3. Apply the belt while the individual is in a comfortable sitting position.

If the individual is lying in bed and has poor sitting balance, apply the

gait belt while they are lying down.

4. Make sure the belt is applied tightly enough to prevent it from riding

up or down on the individual’s body, but loosely enough so you can

grasp it firmly and comfortably.

5. If the individual complains of dizziness or symptoms when in an

upright position, do not leave them for any reason. Call for assistance

if needed.

6. If the individual has a weak side, make sure his or her stronger side is

facing the destination(for example, toward the wheelchair or toilet)

7. Lock brakes on equipment that the individual is transferred from and

will be transferred to.

8. Stand as close to the individual as possible. Stand in front keeping

your back straight, your knees slightly bent, and your feet with a wide

stance.

9. Hold the individual at the waist rather than arms or shoulders. Lean

forward and grasp the gait belt on both sides.

10. Encourage the individual to participate by pushing up on the mattress,

bearing some weight (if allowed), and turn toward the destination.

11. Make sure the individual can see the surface to which he is

transferring.

12. Always move your body in the direction in which the transfer is

taking place.

13. Make sure the individual is wearing shoes.

14. When the destination has been reached, gently lower and encourage

the individual to use his or her arms to reach toward the destination

and bear some of the weight.

15. Remove the belt once the individual is comfortably and safely seated.

Notes:

• If the individual is particularly heavy or has difficulty supporting their

own weight, consider using a lift transfer device.

• The gait belt may also be used to aide walking by positioning

yourself slightly to the rear of the individual and holding (dedicatednurses.com)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MODz8uRSVjM

Please click the above link to view a short video about how to use a gait belt correctly.