When applying a gait belt, you should:

• A. Make the belt snug around the waist with a secure buckle
• B. Place the belt loosely around the chest
• C. Tie the belt around the hips with a double knot
• D. Position the belt on the thigh

Answer: (A)

Using a gait belt correctly hinges on having a secure, accessible handle to assist a resident during standing and walking. The belt should go around the resident’s waist, over clothing, and be snug enough that it won’t slip but loose enough to fit two fingers between the belt and the body. The buckle should stay in front so you can quickly grab it if a loss of balance occurs and you need to provide support.

Placing the belt loosely around the chest isn’t safe because it doesn’t offer stable control and can compress the chest. Putting the belt around the hips with a double knot isn’t how it’s designed and can still slip or cause skin irritation. Positioning the belt on the thigh provides poor support and increases the risk of injury.