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Dear
Mary-Jane:
The Lift Doctor believes your question addresses a very interesting aspect of patient handling and movement, namely that patients exhibit a wide range of physical and mental capabilities. Correspondingly, there is a wide range of assistive equipment available on the market to match up according to each patient’s individual capabilities. In general, walkers are used with patients who are able to stand and ambulate on their own but who may need a slight degree of assistance in order to compensate for weakness or instability. Gait belts are used be provide an additional degree of assistance or guidance to patients who can stand but who may be physically unstable or mentally impaired. Stand-assist and sit-to-stand devices provide additional levels of assistance, followed by full-body lifting devices for those who are totally unable to stand or ambulate.
Regarding use of a gait belt in combination with a walker, while this is not a recommended procedure, you can use it under certain conditions such as when a patient experiences periodic dizziness or tendency to fall. We would recommend two caregivers with gait belts accompany the patient in that particular instance in order to guard against injuring both the patient and the caregiver if the patient were to pass out, for example. If a patient continues to have a tendency to fall, a re-evaluation of the patient’s independence should be performed.
Hope this is helpful.
Stay safe,
The Lift Doctor* |
