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Step 1
Check your gait belt to ensure it will fit around the patient. Gait belts come in different sizes, so make sure you have one large enough to fit around the waist of your patient before trying to secure it.
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Step 2
Place the belt around the patient with the buckle in the front, underneath the breasts. Thread the belt through the teeth of the buckle, ensuring the belt locks in place.
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Step 3
Make sure the gait belt is loose enough for you to slip two fingers underneath. Grab the gait belt securely on the patient's back.
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Step 4
Grasp the belt from the underside, rather than in an overhand motion. Your hand should be positioned in the center of the patient's back, and you should walk on the patient's weaker side and slightly behind her for best support.
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Step 5
Assist the patient to his feet. Make sure the patient is stable before attempting ambulation. The patient's feet should be shoulder-width apart, and he should be balanced, with his hips squarely over his knees, and knees over the heels.
