Top 10 Best Gait Belts In 2021
Lifting or moving a loved one who is sick or disabled is not easy because they might be heavy, and you may not handle the weight alone. It is important that you get help using a safe tool that you can use without help because you might not get help every time you need to move them.
A gait belt helps you move a person easily to a wheelchair, up the stairs, and more because it helps you hold them. It is painless and easier than grabbing the patient because it is efficient.
Our Top Picks
Transfer Walking Gait Belt
Posey Premium EZ Clean Gait Belt
Transfer Belt Physical Therapy Gait Belt
10. Passionate Care
The passionate care gait belt is a 2-in-1 transfer belt that allows you to buckle and release it easily so that you can move your loved one with eases. You do not have to worry about the belt’s size because you will not buy the wrong size, and it will fit anyone. When you buy this belt, you will have a 72 and a 60 inch so that you will have the perfect fit for you.
No matter the situation, this belt will make it easy for you to anyone, and you will not want to move a person without it anymore. It is easy to use because it has been designed to make it simple and less complicated, and you can use it without any other help. It also has a metal buckle so that it can be secure the whole time.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Has a buckle
- It is 2-in-1
Cons
- It is not durable
9. Sammons Preston – 6691
Made using latex-free material, this gait belt is easy to clean if it gets dirty and is also easy to use because it is simple. You can use the quick-release buckle to get it to transfer a patient and remove it simply without any help. It provides you with a secure hold and will not accidentally open before you need it to because the buckle is secure.
This belt is long enough so that you can transfer anyone, and you can easily adjust the length so that you can be secure because it will hold firmly. This simple belt is durable and will not tear easily, so that you will use it for a long time without worries, and it also has a name tag so that you can easily label it for the patient.
Pros
- Quick-release belt
- Secure hold
- Easy to clean
Cons
- It unravels after a short while
8. BESTPACK Transfer
Adjustable to fit any waist size, this gait belt is ideal for anyone because they can easily adjust it to fit them. It is easy for you to easily transfer a patient or anyone with this belt because you can securely fit it, and the nylons straps are not in one position, making it easy for the caregiver to pull the straps into place from all sides.
This strong transfer belt has a foam handle so that it can reduce any pain and also make it comfortable for the caregiver. The stitching used on this belt is superior because it is webbed so that it can be firm and will not unravel easily so that the belt can be used for a long time. The buckle is also easy to release so that the caregiver can remove the belt quickly once they are done moving the patient.
Pros
- Wide back support
- Foam handle
- Adjustable length
Cons
- It is hard to adjust
7. Posey 6546
Secure fitting and sturdy, this gait belt will make it easy for you to transfer anyone because you will be able to hold it firmly. It has been made to last long because it is not made using cloths, which mostly unravel easily and tear and become dangerous. You can adjust it easily because you can cut it and adjust it to fit securely with who you are using it with.
With a simple and easy to use buckle, the belt is easy for anyone to use and will come off easily so that you can use it comfortably. You will also put it on easily because it does not have any complicated buttons. The belt is also spring-loaded so that it is comfortable and will not cause pain while you use it.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Adjustable
- Easy to clean
Cons
- It is not easy to put on
6. COW&COW
Made with loops and teeth, this gait belt will hold firmly so that the buckle can help to protect anyone and make it easy for you to transfer a patient or a loved one without it releasing suddenly.
The teeth will hold it in place securely until you are ready to release the belt. It has a weight capacity of 350 pounds so that you can use it to transfer people of different weights.
The strong and durable belt has a webbing construction to be comfortable for both the caregiver and the patient. Easy to clean and machine washable, this belt has a quick release buckle so that the caregiver can easily use it. The belt is also made using cotton so that it is comfortable and will not hurt when being used.
Pros
- Quick-release buckle
- Comfortable
- Adjustable
Cons
- It unravels easily
5. Secure SGBM-60S
Featuring a handy loop to hold excess length, this gait belt is easy to use and adjustable so that you can use it with anyone. It is made using 100% cotton material so that the caregiver and the patient are comfortable. The belt also prevents injury because it is secure, and the buckle will not come loose so that no one will fall when using the belt.
With a metal buckle, the belt will hold securely, and it will not loosen until you are ready to take it off. It has a weight capacity of 350 pounds so that you can use it with a lot of patients, and it is also easy to clean because it is machine washable. The webbing makes it sturdy and also durable, so you can use it for a long while.
Pros
- Sturdy webbing
- Comfortable cotton
- Adjustable length
Cons
- It might slip if not secured well
4. LiftAid Walking
The LiftAid gait belt is made using high-strength webbing so that you can hold firmly with it, and it will be secure enough for the caregiver and the patient.
It allows the caregiver to quickly remove it and place it when they want to use it. You will be able to use it with a patient up to 300 pounds because it is strong and the buckle is secure.
You can wash this belt in high temperatures and dry it easily because it is machine washable. A loop has been featured so that it can hold excess belt wait. and you can adjust the length of the belt easily so that you can fit it with anyone you want. This belt is of superior quality and will be sturdy and durable so that you will use it for a while before you replace it.
Pros
- Hold up to 300 pounds
- Machine washable
- High tensile buckle
Cons
- The buckle has sharp edges
3. Vive Gait Belt
Constructed with a stable metal buckle with teeth, this gait belt will hold still and securely so that you can easily transfer your patient or loved one whether it is while standing or to a wheelchair.
It prevents the caregiver from injury because it is adjustable, and the material used to make it is comfortable and soft. You can easily move and ambulate with this belt because it is sturdy.
Strong grab handles make it easy for the caregiver to use, and it will not pinch or grab so that you can move easily and in position.
The belt has a long gate strap to increase safety, and the buckle has locking teeth so that it will not accidentally release, making it safe for use. It is also easy to use and can withstand multiple washes.
Pros
- Easy to ambulate
- Locking buckle teeth
- Quick-release latch
Cons
- It unravels after a few uses.
2. Secure Transfer
Move and transfer with ease using this gait belt that allows you to handle it easily and comfortably. The belt can be attached and detached with ease by the nurse or the caregiver so that they can operate it without help.
It is ideal for professional and home use, so you can use it anywhere you want because it does not need a lot of training to be used.
Designed for patient comfort and safety, this belt is comfortable and also durable because it is made using nylon material. The webbing makes it strong and also secure when in use so that it can be ideal for use by anyone. It can withstand heavyweights, and the handles allow you to find the most comfortable position to transfer or walk with a patient effectively.
Pros
- Reinforced stitching
- Comfortable
- Can grip from any angle
Cons
- The plastic clip is weak
1. Vive Transfer
This gait belt has handles that make it easy for the caregiver to release and buckle the belt so that it can be safely used with anyone.
It has a quick-release metal buckle that holds securely when in use and is also easy to remove, so you can take it off quickly. The belt is strong because it has been constructed with superior webbing and has reinforced stitching.
Adjustable and strong, this belt can be used for pediatric, elderly, bariatric, handicap, and occupational therapy because it is versatile.
It has six handles that are padded so that it can be comfortable and will also provide you with a secure grip. It prevents falls and also makes moving a loved one pain-free because you do not have to grab them painfully.
Pros
- Has padded handles
- Sturdy
- Adjustable
Cons
- It gets loose with time
Buying Guide
It would help if you took note of the following factors before you purchase the best gait belt:
Size
Ensure that you get the right size of the transfer belt for the patient because you want it to fit well and comfortably. If you are not sure about the size you need to buy, you should buy an adjustable belt so that you can choose the appropriate length when you are using it.
Comfort
The belt you choose should be comfortable so that you or the patient will not get hurt or pinched when using it. Make sure that the material used to make the belt is comfortable, and the handle should have padding so that the caregiver will also feel comfortable using it.
Secure hold
It is important that the belt you choose will be effective for moving your patient safely. Check the buckle and ensure that it will hold securely when in use and will not slide because that can be dangerous. If the buckle fails when you are moving or lifting your patient, they can fall and injure themselves more. The material used to make this belt should also be secure enough so that you can move efficiently and safely.
Easy to use
You need to have a belt that will be easy for you to use because most of the time you may be using the belt while you are alone. It is important for you to remember that the patient or loved one might not be able to help you with the belt or even the buckle so you need to choose one that you can handle easily by yourself. Consider a quick release buckle, among other features that makes the transfer belt easier to use.
Conclusion
A gait belt makes it safer and less painful for your loved ones or patients, and you should make sure that you get the best one for your use. Keep in mind the size and the comfort of the belt so that it will work effectively.
If it starts to get lose or if the buckles no longer hold firmly or securely, you should stop using it because it can be dangerous if it accidentally releases when you are moving your patients. Ensure that you keep it well, especially if it is made of cotton or wool, so that it will not start to unravel.
