How to use a Walk Belt
The Walk Belt is a padded belt designed to enable one or two carers to assist a patient in sit-to-stand and walking. The innovative design feature cut-away front handles to maximise patient comfort. A buckle fastening allows easy tightening of the belt upon standing.
This is a guide only. We recommend you consult with your manual handling co-ordinator and/or your back care specialist.
Fitting The Walk Belt
- With the patient seated in front of you, slide the buckles on each of the webbing straps to a large enough setting to clasp around the patient.
- Lean the patient forward, place the belt behind their back and fasten in front of the patient.
- Pull the adjusting straps simultaneously to tighten the belt.
From Sit-To-Stand With Two Carers
- With one carer standing on either side of the patient, have the patient sit with their feet apart.
- Position the carers feet to block the patients feet from the front and their knees bent to block the patients knees.
- The carers should also maintain good upright posture with natural back curvature.
- The carers each hold both handles on their respective sides of the patient.
- When ready to transfer, both carers should make eye contact.
- One carer should take the lead and count in.
- Lean the patient forward to the “nose over toes’ position.
- Both carers then straighten their legs to stand whilst keeping their arms locked.
- This should be one fluid motion.
Walking With A Patient
- With the right arm behind the patients back, the carer’s right hand holds the handle on the patient’s right side.
- The carers left hand holds the left handle and both hands pull outwards from the centre of the patient’s back.
- The carer must, when required. move their feet and body weight to counter that of the patient’s.
More On Using Walk Belts
- Before using check the patient can lean forward to a “nose over toes’ position – this ensures they can bear weight when standing and assist with the transfer.
- Before attempting a transfer you must explain clearly to the patient how you intend to perform the transfer.
WARNING : DO NOT USE THE WALK BELT TO LIFT THE PATIENT
How To Use A Walk Belt Instructional Video
We've put together a short video to demonstrate how to use the Walk Belt: