The Best Transfer Belts

Transfer belts feature built-in handles to let carers find the best leverage points during patient transfers. This, in turn, minimizes the risk of injury to both carers and those with limited mobility. They are often used at home, in nursing homes or hospitals, and as a part of physical therapy. Check out our list of the best transfer belts, and pick one that fits your specific needs.

Q & A

• What is a Transfer Belt Used For?

  Sometimes referred to as a gait belt, a transfer belt makes it safer for caregivers to move or adjust their patients. It can be used to help transfer individuals between beds and wheelchairs. Transfer belts not only minimize the risk of accidental falls, but also protect the caregiver from back strain.

• How Should a Transfer Belt be Placed?

  A transfer belt should be placed around the patient’s waist with the buckle slightly off center to ensure optimal comfort. The belt should be worn over the patient’s clothes, rather than bare skin. If the patient is very thin or frail, it is a good idea to place a towel between the belt and their skin. When the buckle is tightened, you should be able to slide 2 fingers between the belt and the patients’ body.

• How Do You Use a Transfer Belt to Support Someone Walking?

  When using a transfer belt, it is best to think about the direction of the transfer and follow the patient’s natural pattern of movement. Always hold the patient close to you and if possible try to keep one arm around them for additional support.

• What is the Difference Between a Gait and Transfer Belts?

  Transfer belts and gait belts are essentially the same mobility device. Transfer belts are used to help patients get in and out of bed or a wheelchair, and walk short distances. Gait belts, meanwhile, are used by caregivers who take people with mobility issues for supervised walks.

How to Choose a Transfer Belt

Transferring people with mobility issues can be a challenging task. Luckily, transfer belts can make it a lot easier and safer. Here are some things to consider when buying a transfer belt.

• Size and Material

  Transfer belts are designed for different waist sizes and sometimes have limits on how much body weight they can support (most support between 300 and 500 pounds). Before you buy one, make sure that it will fit the patient. Most transfer belts are made from woven cotton, canvas, or nylon. Some transfer belts can even be washed in a washing-machine.

• Handles

  Transfer belts generally come with between 4 and 7 handles. Obviously, the more handles, the easier for the carer to maneuver the patient. Some handles are padded for better grip and control. Always check the quality of the stitching before buying a transfer belt.

• Clasp

  Mast transfer belts come with either metal or plastic buckles that keep them in place. Both have their pros and cons. Metal clasps tend to be more durable, but they take more time to release than plastic ones. Plastic buckles allow for quick adjustments but are usually not as durable as their metal counterparts.

Weighing All the Factors

Taking everything into account, our top pick by Vive has all the features you could possibly ever want in a transfer belt. Made from nylon webbing, it is extra wide for optimal comfort and features a metal clasp. Coming in close second and third, Secure’s transfer gait belt and Dr. Moe’s solutions gait belt are also amazing choices.