Assisting Resident to Ambulate with Transfer Belt for ARC Testing

Equipment: Non-skid footwear, gait belt, 2 paper towels

Procedure:

1.) Knock on door and listen for residents response.

2.) Address resident by name and introduce self.

3.) Wash hands.

4.) Explain procedure to resident speaking clearly, slowly, and directly, maintaining face-to-face contact whenever possible.

5.) Provide for residents privacy during procedure with curtain, screen, or door.

6.) Adjust bed to safe working height (such that residents feet touch the floor when sitting on edge of bed);lock wheels.

7.) Before ambulating, put on and properly fasten non-skid footwear. (place towels under feet to protect bed)

8.) Before standing resident, place bed at a safe and appropriate level for the resident.

9.) Stand in front of and facing the resident.

10.) Brace residents lower extremities.

11.) With transfer (gait) belt: Place belt around residents waist and grasp the belt, while assisting resident to stand.

12.) With transfer(gait) belt: Walk slightly behind and to one side of resident for the full distance, while holding onto the belt.

13.) After ambulation, assist resident to a position of comfort and safety in bed and remove transfer belt, if used.

14.) Place signaling device within residents reach.

15.) Leave bed in the lowest position.  Remove privacy measures.

16.) Wash hands.

17.) Report any changes in resident to nurse.  Document procedure according to facility guidelines.