Articles

Avoid 5 Common Mistakes While Purchasing Padded Gait Belt with Handles

by John Twin Manager

A gait belt is a device that helps that caregiver to have a firm grip while helping patients or loved ones to move from one place to another when having mobility difficulties or balance. It helps prevent injuries to the caregiver while at the same time ensuring a safe transfer of the patient from one point to another.

The gait belts differ in sizes from 112 to 4 inches wide and 52 to 60 inches long depending on your needs. They are made with different materials such as canvas, leather or nylon and are fitted with buckles that ensure a safe fastening around the waist. A padded gait belt is more comfortable to both the patient and the caregiver and it tends to be durable as well.

Choosing the right gait belt is very crucial to ensure that the patient is comfortable and secure and at the same time, the caregiver is safe and in a stable position to help with the transfer.


Here are five mistakes that that should be avoided when purchasing a gait belt

1. Un-Adjustable Buckles

When buying a gait belt, buyers overlook the importance buckles and durability. Some buckles have problems when fastening or unfastening them. A gait belt should have adjustable quick release buckles that enable you to buckle up or unbuckle quickly in case of an emergency.

2. Wrong Size of a Gait Belt

The most common mistake made when purchasing a gait belt is the size of the belt. A small size or a big size that cannot be adjusted to fit a specific size of the user may end up being uncomfortable or even cause injuries to both the caregiver and the patient.

A thin belt may cause discomfort to the user, and therefore, it’s advisable to get a wider belt that gives a bigger contact area and makes it easy to transfer heavier or bigger patients.

Chose the right sized belt or get a universal size belt that is fully adjustable to fit users of all sizes and weight. With the right medical equipment, a patient is more comfortable, and the process of making transfers and ambulation needs is manageable.

3. Few Handles For Hand Grip

Some Gait belts have few handles that a caregiver uses to have a firm grip. It's important to choose a belt that has several hand grip positions to enable the caregiver to select the most comfortable position while moving or transferring a patient and reduce chances of injuries.

4. Uncomfortable Gait Belt

Some gait belts have a small contact area making the patient uncomfortable and straining them. When purchasing a gait belt, it’s advisable to choose a padded gait belt with a wider contact area and a soft, breathable material. The padding gives greater comfort to the user and allows the caregiver to move even heavier patients with ease.

5. Not Checking the Warranty

When purchasing a gait belt, some buyers may not check if the belt has a warranty. Since the belt might be in constant use, it’s advisable to select a belt that has a longer warranty as this will guarantee you repairs or replacement by the manufacturer in case of any faults after purchase.

A padded gait belt with handles gives an excellent means of support to the caregiver while aiding a patient to a safe transfer or movement without the risk of back injury or a fall.

Choosing the right one that fits the needs of the user is very important since a patient needs comfort and security when helping them transfer in or out of wheelchairs, beds or vehicles.

Read: Tips to Buying Mattress for Hospital Bed


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About John Twin Freshman   Manager

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Joined APSense since, September 12th, 2017, From Langley, Canada.

Created on Oct 16th 2017 06:33. Viewed 955 times.

Comments

Jenifer Clark Freshman  Writer
Great article John Twin. All the information is nicely written and explained
Feb 20th 2018 23:09   
Sun Sin Junior  Marketing Executive
The selection of gait belt is very crucial to ensure that the patient is comfortable to move from one place to other places. As you describe some important points like un-adjustable buckles, wrong size of a gait belt, few handles for hand grip and not checking the warranty while purchasing gait belt. Thanks for sharing a such great article.
Mar 1st 2018 12:44   
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