Buy Gait Transfer Belt
One challenge that all caregivers face daily is safely transferring patients from one room to another. If the patient has some degree of mobility, then mobility aids like walkers, canes, assistive bed rails, and poles can be used to help them move, but if the patient has major mobility issues, then they will require the assistance of a caregiver to move around or reposition them in wheelchairs and beds. A gait belt is one of the most used mobility aids in healthcare facilities, as it prevents caregiver injuries by providing extra support and a firm grip.
With Broadway Medical Supply's transfer belt and other ambulatory equipment like transfer sheets, transfer benches, you can confidently transfer patients. Made from heavy-duty materials and featuring a reliable metal buckle, it ensures that you can get a leveraged hold on the patient.
Factors to Consider While Buying a Gait Transfer Belt
Right Size and Fit: When buying a transfer equipment like Transfer belt, ensure it fits the patient properly. It should be adjustable and fit snugly around the waist without causing any discomfort.
Material: Look for a gait transfer belt made from sturdy and durable materials like nylon or cotton that can withstand frequent use while providing the required support.
Padding: The transfer belt should have a good amount of padding for comfort to prevent bruising or chafing on the skin.
Weight-bearing Capacity: Choose a patient transfer belt with a weight capacity appropriate for the patient's needs. Refer to the manufacturer's specifications to check if it can support the patient's weight.
Ease Of Use: Look for a transfer belt that can be easily put on and taken off. It should also be easily adjustable.
Safety: The transfer belt should have safety features like a buckle or lock mechanism, which ensures that the belt does not come loose while transferring the patient.
Number of Straps: It is also important to consider the number of staps while buying a gait transfer belt. The more straps and handles there are, the more points you will get to grab the patient.
Maintenance: Just like any other medical accessory, a gait transfer belt requires proper maintenance and care to maintain its functionality over time. Some belts are machine washable, while others need to be washed by hand. Consider this while choosing a transfer belt.
Budget: While a gait belt is an important tool for assisting patients with mobility, it should also fit within your budget. Expensive models have additional features like extra padding or handles, but there are also many budget-friendly models. Though, they may not have many features but offer safety and comfort.
Uses of a Gait Transfer Belt
To Transfer Patients: While transferring a patient from the bed to a wheelchair and vice-versa, a gait belt is used for a better grip. The patient puts their arms on the caregiver's waist, thus providing support to both.
To Help Patients Walk: During recovery, a patient may be advised to stay active by walking for some time every day. A trained physiologist, caregiver, or family member can use a transfer belt to help them walk. Using a transfer belt allows caregivers to get a good grip on the patient while they are getting off the bed or walking.
To Provide Support: In some instances, the patient may be so weak they might fall while walking. In such cases, a caregiver or family member can use a gait belt to support them while they walk.
To Prevent Caregiver Injuries: When assisting a patient, there are chances that the caregiver might get injured. A transfer belt minimizes the risk of an injury which can be life-threatening for the caregiver.
To Provide Physical Therapy: Transfer belts are used during physical therapy sessions to help patients regain their strength and mobility. Physical therapists use them to provide support during exercises and gait training.
To Support Elderly Patients: In geriatric care, transfer belts are used to provide assistance to elderly patients who may have balance issues or weakness in the legs.
To Train Caregivers: A gait belt is also used in healthcare training programs to inform healthcare providers on the proper technique of supporting patients facing mobility issues.
Precautions to Take When Using a Gait Belt
When using a transfer belt, it is important to take certain safety precautions to ensure a safe and effective transfer. Here are some tips to keep in mind while using a transfer belt.
Avoid common transfer belt mistakes like improper sizing or incorrect placement.
While using the transfer belt, make sure you maintain a proper posture by keeping your back straight. Awkward movements can lead to injuries.
Make sure the belt is secured properly. If it is not, you and your patient might get injured.
Follow gait belt precautions, like ensuring there is a layer of clothing between the patient's skin and the belt.
Never use a gait belt that is frayed or damaged.
Why Choose Broadway Medical for Gait Transfer Belt
Broadway Medical Supply is a locally owned and operated HME provider in New Jersey that has been providing medical supplies like patient transfer belts for 30 years. To ensure you get the best transfer belts, we have partnered with leading companies like McKesson, Skincare, and Dynarex while keeping our pricing as competitive as possible. We double-check all our orders before shipping so that you get the best medical supplies at the best possible price. Conveniently located on Washington Avenue, we provide free delivery throughout Northern New Jersey.
If you are looking to buy medical supplies from one of the leading medical supplies in the United States, look no further than Broadway Medical Supply.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Difference Between a Gait Belt and a Transfer Belt?
There is no difference between a gait belt and a transfer belt. Instead, both names refer to two different uses of a device used to assist those with mobility issues. The term gait belt refers to a belt used by the caregiver to prevent falls while walking. On the other hand, a transfer belt is a device grasped by the caregiver to lift or move a person from one place to another.
What Patient is Best Assisted with a Gait Belt?
Partial-ambulatory patients with some weight-bearing capacities are best assisted with a transfer belt as it promotes independence while providing the caregiver a more secure way to assist them. Those who are heavier or have undergone a recent spine or abdominal surgery cannot use a gait belt.
Are There Weight Limits for Patient Transfer Belts?
Yes, patient transfer belts do have a weight limit. That is why, while buying one, it is important to check that it has a weight limit that exceeds the weight of the individual being transferred so that injuries can be prevented.