What is a gait belt used for?

• A. To assist with patient transfers and ambulation.
• B. To measure a patient's gait speed.
• C. To tether a patient to a bed.
• D. To cover the patient during assessments.

Answer: (A)

Gait belts provide a safe, controlled way to move a patient and support walking. They wrap around the patient’s waist over clothing, with the buckle in front, and the caregiver grasps the ends to guide and stabilize during transfers and ambulation. This grip gives leverage and helps maintain balance, reducing the risk of falls for someone who is weak, unsteady, or recovering from surgery or illness. Use should be snug but not restrictive, and the belt is removed after the transfer. It isn’t used to measure gait speed, tether a patient to a bed, or cover the patient during assessments.