CELEBRATING
14+ YEARS
SAFE & SECURE
CHECKOUT
PRIVACY
ASSURED
85K+ HAPPY
CUSTOMERS
FREE
SHIPPING
FREE EASY
RETURNS
877-520-3708
CART
Go
  • Knee Walkers
    Rentals
    Top Rated
    View All
    Parts

    Knee Walker Rentals
    Thumbnail of Swivelmate Knee Walker
    Swivelmate Knee Walker
    Thumbnail of Orthomate All Terrain Knee Scooter
    Orthomate All Terrain Knee Scooter

    Knee Walker Models
  • Rental Process

    How Renting Works

    Rental Models & Pricing

    How Soon Will it Arrive?

    Knee Walker FAQ

    Insurance Coverage
  • Help Me Choose

    Help Me Choose Quiz

    Knee Walkers 101

    Knee Walker Finder

    Compare Knee Walkers

    Renting Vs Buying
  • More Products
    Knee Walker Accessories Baskets, Bags & PouchesBells and HornsDrink Holders & Phone MountsJust For Fun!Knee Pad CoversSafety Lights Other Products Bathroom AidsBootsCast CoversCrutches & CanesKnee BracesOtherWalkers & RollatorsWheelchairs
    Most Popular Accessories
    Thumbnail image of Memory Foam Knee Pad Cover
    Memory Foam Knee Pad Cover
    Thumbnail image of Drink Cup Holder
    Drink Cup Holder
    Thumbnail image of Water Proof Leg Cast Cover
    Water Proof Leg Cast Cover
  • News & Stories
    Thumbnail image: view all stories
    View All News & Stories
    Thumbnail image
    Ultimate Adventure Companion - Best Knee Scooters for Travel
    Thumbnail image
    Compression Sleeve for Swelling--The Key to Pain-Free Knees
    Thumbnail image
    Sightseeing and Traveling with a Knee Scooter
    Thumbnail image
    Knee Scooter - The Smart Choice for Surgery Recovery
  • Gallery
    Customers Photos
    Photo Contest
    Video Gallery
    Thumbnail of  using a Swivelmate Knee Walker from Freeman, MO
    Debbie from Freeman, MO
    Thumbnail of  using a Swivelmate Knee Walker from Claremont, CA
    Judy from Claremont, CA
    View more customer photos
    Photo Contest Graphic
    Enter the Photo Contest
    Contest Winners
    Swivelmate video review thumbnnail
  • Contact Us
    Contact Us About Us Contact Us Why We Do It Better Help Knee Walker FAQ Shipping
    How Soon Will It Arrive?
    Cancellations / Returns Knee Walker Insurance Coverage Purchase Order Delivery Times Complete My Order
  • What is a Gait Belt Used For? Large Image
  • What is a Gait Belt Used For?

    • Circle photo of Edd
    • Edd Siu
      August 7, 2020

  • A gait belt is a device worn by a patient so that they can be assisted by a caregiver to stand up, sit, and support when doing supervised walks.

    They are used for both the patient and caregiver to safely support and control the transfer of the patient from these positions.

    In this article, we'll discuss:



    • • What's the difference between a transfer belt and a gait belt? 
    • • What is a gait belt used for?
    • • Types of gait and transfer Belts
    • • How do you use a transfer belt?
    • • When should you not use a gait belt?



    What's the Difference Between a Transfer Belt and a Gait Belt?



    A gait belt and a transfer belt are interchangeable terms; they refer to the same device. 

    They come in different sizes and features. We'll discuss that later on.

    simple gait belt delux gait belt



    What is a Gait Belt Used For?



    A gait belt allows a caregiver a secure place to grab onto to transfer a patient to different positions safely. This way, you don't have to hold on to a part of their body or clothes, which increases the chances of falling and overexertion injuries.

    For example, it's useful when transferring someone from a bed to a wheelchair or toilet or when doing supervised walks.


    patient and caregiver using transfer belt
    image credit: mda.gov.mb.ca

    It also allows a caregiver to help stabilize a care recipient who loses his or her balance while walking.

    In essence, the use of a gait transfer belt is beneficial to both the patient and the caregiver.



    Types of Gait And Transfer Belts



    Gait belts are part of a family of transfer devices named transfer garments that include transfer vests and transfer slings.

    Gait belts, or transfer belts, come in many sizes and features. 

    The most simple style is a plain belt made with durable materials and a quick release or metal buckle.

    Then there are the most enhanced ones with more cushion and padded handles for easy and more controlled grabbing, like
     this one from TKWC.


    transfer belt from tkwc
    This transfer belt feature 6 padded handles, reinforced stitching a metal belt buckle with teeth.




    How Do You Use a Transfer Belt?



    Depending on the ambulation you are trying to do, there are specific steps to take for each scenario. 

    Here are some general quick tips when using a transfer belt: 



    • •If a patient has a foot injury, they should be at least partially weight bearing.

    • •They should always be worn around the waist area over patient's clothes.

    • •Always put the belt with the buckle in front of the patient.

    • •Don't use belts on patients with certain conditions, which are outlines below.

    • •During a transfer, a patient should never place their hands on the caregiver.

    • •When moving and supporting someone, always use your arm and leg muscles, never your back.

    • •Most transfer belts can be washed, always refer to the manufacturer's instructions to confirm.

    person looking at screenHere are some videos on how to transfer to different positions:

    • • How to transfer from sitting to standing position.

    • • Transfer from bed to wheelchair.

    • • Transfer from wheelchair to bed.

    • • Using transfer belt while walking.



    When Should You Not Use a Gait Belt?



    Do not use a gait transfer belt if the patient:


    • Has a colostomy

    • has had recent abdominal or back surgery.

    • Is pregnant.

    • Has fractured ribs.

    • Has severe cardiac or respiratory disease.

    • Has a feeding tube going to the stomach.

    • Has a PEG tube

    • If he/she feels weak or faint..

    Asking for help should never make anyone feel embarrassed. When someone is injured, why risk any falls or further injuries? It's always a call to be extra safe, and a
    transfer belt can help with that.


  • More Great Rent A Knee Walker News & Stories

  • •
    Whats the Difference Between a Knee Scooter and a Knee Walker
  • •
    Best Knee Scooter for a Broken Ankle
  • •
    Can You Use a Knee Scooter for a Knee Injury
  • •
    Can You Sit on a Knee Scooter?
    • Contact Us
    • Call or Email Us - We're Here To Help
    • Need help? Call us at 877 520 3708
    • Monday - Friday 9:00AM to 6:00PM EST
    • Email us:
    • Connect with us, we're social
    • We Accept:
    • & HSA / Flex Credit Cards
    • Current Events:
    • Photo Contest
    • The Grand Prize of $250 will be awarded to the best knee walker photo. Enter photo contest here
    • 07-Feb23 02:24 GMT
      • Go to mobile website
      • Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Trademarks
        Affiliate Marketing Disclosure | Site Map
      • * Monday through Friday, Except holidays and weekends.
      • † New orders only, for orders totaling $100 or more, offer not combinable.
      • All Rights Reserved ® 2007-2023 / Copyright © 2007-2023 Rent A Knee Walker
    • UK Flag
      Looking for knee scooters in the UK? StrideOn is our sister company in the UK, dealing with all things knee scooter related. Rentals, accessories and more.
Thank You
Your message has been received, we will contact you shortly.
Contact Us
Just fill out the fields below, and we will contact you.
Please enter your name
Please enter a valid email
*
Please select a subject
Please enter your message
Office Hours
  • Monday - Friday
  • 9:00AM to 6:00PM EST
  • Phone: 877-520-3708
    Chat with us instantly >
    * For discussion purposes only, your email address will not be shared, distributed or used to solicit any unwanted information.