Gait Belts for Seniors

Last Updated on January 5, 2024 by Rachel

Muscle strength, balance, and flexibility all deteriorate with age. Having trouble moving about might also be a result of sustained orthopedic injuries. This is where gait belts for seniors and caregivers come into play for people who have the most mobility issues.


A gait belt is an important item for assisting an elderly person in moving around their home safely. It increases mobility, which improves balance for both you and the elderly person. This article outlines everything you need to know about this crucial piece of equipment and how it is beneficial to elderly people.

What is a Gait Belt?

A gait belt (also known as a transfer belt) is a mobility aid that can be used to safely move elderly people who are unable to walk on their own. They wear these belts when getting in and out of beds, chairs, and cars. Additionally, they help carers support them as they move about the house or a medical facility. They ought to be utilized if the elderly person is partially dependent and can bear some weight.

Types of Gait Belts

Standard Gait Belt

This has a metal buckle as well as teeth and loops. To lock it, you must pass the belt through the buckle’s teeth and then through the loop.

Quick-release Gait Belt

This includes a plastic buckle which snaps into place to connect the two ends.

Benefits of using Gait Belts

  • They aid the caregiver in transferring an old person from one location to another. They can also be used to assist in raising them without putting strain on your back.
  • They enable a caregiver to assist an elderly person who has lost their balance while walking. The belt serves as a handle, allowing a caregiver to smoothly grasp it and stabilize the person.
  • They aid in preventing avoidable injuries to both the care receiver and the provider.

Best Gait Belts

Prestige Medical Cotton Gait Belt

This gait belt is made entirely of cotton. It has a metal buckle making it sturdy and it secures the senior during the transfer in a safe manner. Its design allows people with a range of waist sizes to wear it. It is 58” long and machine washable.

Pros

  • It is made of 100% cotton
  • It can be washed in the washing machine
  • It includes a metal buckle
  • It is secure, stable, and comfortable
  • It measures 58 inches long

Cons

  • It lacks durability because it frays quickly

Find out more about this gait belt at https://www.prestigemedical.com/ProductDetail.aspx?sku=621.

Secure Transfer and Walking Gait Belt with 6 Caregiver Hand Grips

This transfer belt is constructed of strong, supple nylon fabric. The reinforcement or reverse stitching ensures a long lifespan. It can be used by the caregiver to help the elderly person with ambulation, transfer, and walking.

More touch area with the person is provided by its longer rear part. Six hand grips—two horizontal and four vertical—are included so the caregiver can select the ideal vantage position from which to manage the individual. Seniors of 28 to 48” waist sizes can wear the belt.

Pros

  • It has a sturdy, quick-release buckle
  • It can be machine washed
  • There are 6 hand grips
  • The back is wider than normal gait belts by 4 inches
  • There is a one-year full replacement warranty included
  • The nylon belt’s material is robust

Cons

  • It could be uncomfortable for certain people

Check out this transfer belt at https://www.securesafetysolutions.com/product/gait-belt-with-hand-grips/.

Vive Gait Belt

This belt has a safe, quick-release metal buckle that makes adjustments simple. The belt can support up to 500 pounds of weight and is constructed entirely of cotton. It contains built-in elastic loops to keep any extra belt lengths from drooping.

It has a sturdy metal buckle that makes it suitable for bariatric patients. The belt is held in place till the release latch is raised thanks to the support of the metal buckle’s teeth. The transfer belt, which can be worn at home or in a hospital, assists elderly people in being moved from wheelchairs, seats and beds.

Pros

  • It features a quick-release latch
  • It has additional padding
  • It can be washed in the washing machine
  • It can hold up to 500 pounds and has a metal buckle for security
  • It comes with a 60-day money-back guarantee
  • It can accommodate waist circumferences of up to 60′′

Cons

  • It is not long-lasting

Check out the Vive Gait Belt at https://www.vivehealth.com/products/gait-belt.

GUOER Tommhanes Transfer Belt

It is comfy to wear since this transfer belt is constructed of pearl cotton and sandwich mesh fabric made of nylon. It has three horizontal and seven vertical handle grips, which enable the caregiver to position the senior in a secure and comfortable position at any time.

It may be adjusted, and the reflective strip adds to safety, especially at night. It also includes an adjuster design and a user-friendly buckle. The adjuster has a ring that won’t slide off. It is adjustable for waist sizes between 32” and 52”.

Pros

  • It is constructed of a cozy, breathable fabric
  • It has an easy-to-use buckle
  • It is a safe piece of equipment for seniors’ outdoor therapy
  • It has a night-reflective strip
  • It can be hand washed

Cons

  • It is unsuitable for people with small waists

Find out more about this transfer belt at http://www.guoer.us/product/162.html.

Vive Transfer Belt with Leg Loops

This gait belt is composed of durable nylon and is long-lasting. It contains two movable leg loops that serve as anchors and helps distribute weight evenly while preventing it from rolling up on the elderly person. It has a solid metal clasp and is strong enough to support bariatric individuals. Fastening and unfastening is easy with quick-release buckles.

The belt is adjustable and has a circumference range of up to 55″. Additionally, it contains padded handle grips—four vertical and two horizontal—that allow the caregiver to select the ideal leverage point and give the elderly person the most comfort possible.

Pros

  • The leg straps are secure
  • There is a quick-release latch included
  • It comes with strong grab grips
  • The buckle is metallic
  • It has padded handles that are cozy
  • There is a 60-day unconditional guarantee included

Cons

  • It is cumbersome
  • The process of attaching takes time

Learn more about this transfer belt at https://www.vivehealth.com/products/transfer-belt-loops.

How to Use a Gait Belt to Lift or Transfer a Senior from One Place to Another

  • Inform the senior that you will be using the belt before you put it on, and reassure them that it will be taken off as soon as you are done.
  • Place the buckled belt in front of the person’s midsection. To make it more comfortable, the buckle should be placed a little off-center in the front.
  • The belt should be worn over the care recipient’s clothing and not directly on the skin. Put a towel between the belt and the care recipient’s body if they are very frail.
  • Make the belt snug by pulling it tight. It shouldn’t be unpleasant. Two fingers should fit easily between the senior’s body and the belt.
  • Use proper body mechanics. Standing with your back straight and knees bent, approach the elderly person. Most of the time, wrap your arms around their waist and place your hand, palm side facing out, firmly under the belt. Straighten your knees while keeping the belt in one hand and the person’s back in the other.

How to Use a Gait Belt to Assist an Elderly Person with Walking

  • Place yourself behind and to the side of the elderly person.
  • Using a strong grip, place your hand under the belt with the palm facing outward.
  • Support the senior as they walk while accompanying them. Take care not to drag them.

Factors to consider when purchasing a Gait Belt

Material: Nylon gait belts are long-lasting and simple to keep clean, however, cotton gait belts are more comfortable. They alleviate the person’s discomfort and help to avoid skin irritation.

Number of straps and handles: Check the number of handles and straps on the gait belt. The more straps and handles there are, the greater the flexibility.

Padded Handles: Gait belts that have padded handles are more comfortable to wear and improve safety and security. They also reduce skin chafing for caregivers.

Weight of the Person: This is an important consideration when purchasing a gait belt. You should choose a universal size that will be comfortable for both the caregiver and the senior.