Chapter 13 Assisting with Mobility 377 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. 2. Assist the patient to stand. A gait belt (or transfer belt) is a safety device that can be used by healthcare workers to move patients, both when standing and ambulating. The gait belt is worn by the patient, who may be too weak to support himself. This helps prevent falls. It also decreases the risk of healthcare workers sustaining back injuries. Gait belts come in a variety of sizes and material, such as canvas, nylon, or leather (Figure 13.4). 3. In this stage, the patient begins ambulating. Sometimes it is helpful to assist the patient to a chair so that he may rest prior to ambulating. There are extra safety precautions if you are helping some- one ambulate in his or her home: • Remove any small rugs or electrical cords, clean up any spills on the fl oor, and move anything else that may cause a fall. • Place nonslip bath mats in the bathroom. It is helpful if there are grab bars installed, a raised toilet seat, and a shower tub seat (Figure 13.5). • Make sure everyday household items are easily accessible. • Encourage the use of a backpack, fanny pack, apron, or briefcase to enable the person to carry things during ambulation. gait belt a device made of canvas, nylon, or leather that is used by healthcare workers to safely move (transfer) patients to a standing position or to assist them during walking Wards Forest Media, LLC Figure 13.3 During the first stage of ambulation, the patient is assisted into a dangling position, where he is seated at the edge of the bed with his feet dangling off the side. Wards Forest Media, LLC Figure 13.4 A gait belt may be worn by a patient during ambulation, allowing the healthcare worker to help move the individual. Ben Carlson/Shutterstock.com Figure 13.5 Grab bars and a tub seat have been installed in this bathroom to ensure the elderly homeowner’s safety while bathing.