What is the function of a gait belt?

A gait belt is primarily designed to assist patients in walking and to provide a means for healthcare providers to offer support and stability during ambulation. It is a safety device that helps caregivers guide and stabilize patients who may be unsteady on their feet, ensuring that they can walk with reduced risk of falls. By allowing the caregiver to hold onto the belt, it creates a connection that can make it easier to help the patient maintain balance and provide support as needed.

While gait belts can be used during patient transfers and may indirectly support weight, their primary function is related to facilitating walking. The belt is not intended for restraining movement or lifting patients off the floor directly but rather to enable safer mobility and independence for individuals with limited strength or coordination.