A Posey Gait Belt is an assistive device used by a caregiver to assist a patient with transferring and walking. The belt is a band of material that is placed around a patient's waist and fastened with a metal or plastic buckle. A Posey Gait Belt is indicated for use on people who are cooperative and partially dependent. Properly applying and using the Posey Gait Belt decreases the chance of an injury and increases the safety of the caregiver and patient.
Assembly
Step 1
Place the Posey Gait Belt over clothes, not against bare skin. Wrap the Posey Gait Belt around the patient's waist and bring both ends around to the patient's front. Face the Posey label away from the patient's body.
Step 2
Secure the belt with its closure device. If the belt has a metal buckle, pass the metal tip of through the metal buckle and over the buckle teeth. Slip the tip across the front of the buckle and pass it through the other side. Adjust the fit of the belt so it is snug.
Step 3
Secure a quick-release buckle by adjusting the belt so it fits the patient's waist. Snap the ends of the buckle together like a seatbelt.
Step 4
Secure a Posey E-Zee Closure Belt by passing the end of the belt through the first metal ring. If the patient's waist is 43 to 54 inches, use only the first ring. If the patient's waist is 42 inches or less, pass the tip of the belt through the second metal ring also.
Step 5
Continue assembling the E-Zee Closure Belt by folding the belt over itself and moving it back in the opposite direction. Secure the hook-and-loop closure by pressing both sides firmly. Skip this step if using another type of Posey Gait Belt.
Step 6
Verify the fit of the belt, which should feel snug, but you should be able to comfortably slip your hand between the patient and the belt.
Step 7
Tuck the excess portion of the belt under itself.
Step 8
Turn the buckle around to the patient's back if using the quick-release buckle. Skip this step if using another type of Posey belt.
Walking
Step 1
Assist the patient to a standing position.
Step 2
Place one hand on the portion of the Posey Gait Belt at the front of the patient's waist and your other hand on the portion of the gait belt at the patient's back. Grasp the belt from underneath, not from the top of the belt.
Step 3
Instruct the patient to walk forward, beginning with his strong leg.
Step 4
Walk to the side and slightly behind the patient. Walk on the patient's weaker side and match your steps with his steps.
Step 5
Assist the patient to a safe sitting position after walking.
Step 6
Remove the Posey Gait Belt after the patient is in a comfortable position.
Tips and Warnings
- Assist the patient to put on nonskid shoes before walking.
- Never apply the belt over a female patient's breasts. Always check the gait belt before use for frayed material, broken stitches and broken buckles.
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