Answer: A. You should always use a gait belt when transferring patients to or from wheelchairs. The belt gives you a place to put your hands when lifting or steadying the patient.
A gait belt is an assistive device that can be used to help safely transfer a person from a bed to a wheelchair, assist with sitting and standing and help with walking around. A gait belt can be secured around the waist to allow a caregiver to grasp the belt to assist in lifting or moving a person. When used properly, the belt protects the care recipient from falling and also protects the caregiver from injuring his or her back as they lift or move the care recipient.
