Assisting with Gait belt

candree · Oct 11, 2011

When you're transferring, keep your back straight and lift with your legs. You should feel it in your thighs, not your back. If your back is hurting, you're lifting with your back. I just think of it like doing squat exercises

Lala718 · Oct 11, 2011

*Hmph that's a good way to think of it. its just hard to do it that way I know im suppose to use my knees but I end up bending more of my back in the process

Godschild1214 · Oct 11, 2011

How I was taught in CNA School, was to put your leg between the client's legs, making sure the belt is not too tight around the client, while using your legs to transfer client from bed to wheelchair. Also, if they are capable of assisting you, that too is great.

jjic3982 · Oct 12, 2011

I like the knee to knee and toe to toe technique. But as far as ease of doing this technique, its a matter of mechanical leverage (what your body is like and how heavy or tall the client is).

But like everyone said back straight and knees bent are crucial (for me it's not easy for me to do this on some patients but I try).

student forever · Oct 17, 2011

Yes, but when I hold the gait belt, or get near them, they pull me forward, shifting my weight from my thights to my back. How can I get the pt to not pull me forward? My back automatically is no longer straight then and it twists as I move to the wheel chair. Help!!

Mike R, ADN, BSN, RN · Oct 18, 2011

The gait belt should be as low as possible on the hips and three finger tight. Like the others said, back straight and bend the knees. Knees to knees and your feet securing theirs so the patients feet don't slide. As you straighten your legs, pull their hips in towards yours as you lean backwards. This way, your own weight will help pull them upwards (even if they are pulling you towards them). Both of you need to be standing toe to toe fully upright.

The end goal is to have the patients own weight fully on their own legs as they stand and pivot. You're just there to make sure their legs don't give out. If this isn't the case, then chances are the patient is slouching and you're bending forward at the back two seconds away from a back injury.

Mike R, ADN, BSN, RN · Oct 18, 2011

Also: for pivoting, you want the patient to pivot on the strong leg. You will use your same leg and cross your shin with theirs.

Example: The patient has a right sided weakness. He will get out the bed on the left side. When the patient is sitting, place your left foot on the outside of the patients left foot. Cross your shins with his so that your knee is on the inside of his. Squat down, lean back and pull his hips in towards you to stand and pivot.

systoly · Oct 18, 2011

Have the pt. lean forward and bring their weight over their knees. The you assist the patient to come to a standing position. Nobody should be pulling on anybody.

student forever · Oct 19, 2011

OK. Mike R, I practiced this with my husband and it makes much more sense than the other methods I was shown. Now when clinicals begin, I have an idea of what postures are possible, depending on the person's girth, height, weaknesses, etc. Thanks!!