Ode to the Gait Belt

I so desperately want to write a poem, sing a song, enact a play that marvels at the benefits of a Gait Belt.

I was teaching a Individual Provider class last week. I came across "that" student. Every class has this student. The student who:
1) Knows Everything
2) Has been doing this for 20-30 years
3) Thinks this class is such a waste of time

It's OK. Every class has them and it's easy to humor this student. They don't bug me (well actually, they do, but that's my problem to work out). And that's not the point of this post.

This particular student announced to this class of 20 students that Gait Belts were only for NACs working in a Nursing Home.

If you remember a ear-splitting crack heard across Washington State, I'm hear to assure you that that sound was the sound of my heart splitting in 2.

Gait Belts are simple and easy ways of holding onto the client when doing a transfer or assisting to walk. They give the Home Care Aide a handle to hold onto. Even if the client is weight bearing and at relatively low risk of falling, you just never know when something may go wrong.
Their knees may suddenly give out
A cat may push them off balance (you know that cats do this on purpose, don't you)
An underlying infection may be brewing that would make them dizzy
Their blood sugar may be low
Their blood pressure may be high

Any number of things may be happening that you are not aware of that could cause even the most stable client to lose their balance and fall at any time.

PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE use a Gait Belt. They are your friend. They want to help. They want to be put to use.

BTW... If I ever need help and you use my pants to lift me and give me a wedgie, I'll kick you in the shins.

Use a Gait Belt!