Chapter 13 Assisting with Mobility 379 Copyright Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. When people do not feel well, they often want to stay in bed. Therefore, assisting with mobility is one of the most important responsibilities of healthcare workers. Maintaining mobility is essential for patient well-being. The following procedure provides information about how to encourage and help patients move out of their beds and ambulate. Procedure 13.1 Assisting with Ambulation Rationale Assisting a patient with ambulation can improve mental and physical health. Preparation 1. Make sure you have a written doctor’s order for ambulation. 2. Assemble the following equipment: • a robe, if needed to ensure the patient is not exposed • nonslip, properly fi tting, low-heeled footwear • a gait belt (check that it is in good condition and is functional) 3. Wash your hands to ensure infection control. 4. Explain in simple terms what you are going to do before assisting with ambulation. The Procedure 5. Provide privacy. You can draw the bed curtain or put a screen around the bed, if needed. 6. If the patient is in bed, lower the bed to its lowest position and lock the wheels. 7. If the patient is in bed, assist her to a dangling (sitting) position on the side of the bed. The patient may be seated in a chair. 8. Help the patient put on the nonslip, properly fi tting shoes and robe, if needed. 9. Apply the gait belt by putting the belt around the patient’s waist, over her clothing. The buckle should be in the front. Thread the belt through the teeth of the buckle and through the other two loops to lock it. 10. Check that the belt is snug but that there is still enough room to place your fi ngers under the belt. 11. Whether in a bed or sitting in a chair, face the patient and use an underhand grasp on the gait belt for greater safety (Figure 13.8). 12. Using the gait belt, assist the patient to a standing position (Figure 13.9). Lift the patient using your arm and leg muscles. Bend your knees and keep your back straight. Do not twist your body. Wards Forest Media, LLC Figure 13.8 Wards Forest Media, LLC Figure 13.9 13. Continue to hold on to the gait belt while the patient gains her balance. Have her stand erect with her head up and back straight.