Joan recommended this site:http://www.videocaregiving.org/ which, interestingly, has some of the stuff that was on that PBS Alzheimer's show (in particular, the one where this obviously Stage 7 woman is put in a NH by her spouse, who then encounters a lot of hostility from their kids about it.)
BUT: on the CAREGIVERS tab, there are a number of helpful videos, in particular one that shows how to use a gait belt to get someone in and out of bed and into a wheel chair. NOW I understand why it could be useful.
i found one i liked at dynamic-living.com..gait belt, a deluxe super padded version that has straps for the caregiver to put hands thru for more leverage. this way no strain on the wrists as much. divvi
If you have used the gait belt, has it worked out well? In the last week my husband will not walk more than 2 or 3 steps. I am having trouble getting him to the bathroom when I am alone. I have purchased a commode for his room, so I could change him on it,however, just getting him to that is a feat in itself. Comments or suggestions will be more than welcome.
I have seen these used and viewed the video above. I think to use one safely you need to know what you are doing ie receive some hands on training from someone experienced. I'd also recommend an evaluation (by an occupational or physiotherapist) of both caregiver and person. Size and age and physical limitations of person to be transferred AND size/age/physical limitations of caregiver need to be checked. As a caregiver, you don't want to risk injuring yourself by taking on too much. Ongoing, regular checks would be a good idea because when someone's mobility becomes more limited, it (mobility) doesn't always plateau at same level. It can subtly change within a few weeks sometimes . . .
A transfer / gait belt can be helpful when transferring someone with mobility limitations. But just going out and buying a transfer belt (or ordering online) isn't all that's involved. Sometimes other options need to be considered. I think if transferring someone is becoming a concern, it is time to have an evaluation from someone with training and experience who may be able to suggest other options.
Also, as a caregiver, don't forget that even people with training (nurses, care aides, paramedics etc) can sustain injury when doing transfers-----so if the ones who know how to do transfers, and do them regularly, can get hurt, don'[t take on more than you can physically handle.
I found the gait belts to be very hard to use by myself. I couldn't hold it tightly (and be able to catch him if he began to fall) while guiding him with my other arm/hand. If you notice in the hospital, there are usually two people helping a person with a gait belt move about. One has his elbow, the other has the belt.
Good point, NancyB*. Often when a transfer belt is used, two people help with the transfer. I have seen one person manage it on their own but usually that person has a larger build and the person with mobility challenge is a smaller build.
Jane, I did place the commode chair next to the chair he was sitting in. My problem is due to his atrophy in his left arm...which is his dominate, he will try to help stand up, using his right arm only, however, sometimes he will just sit back down.
Kadee, That is the way my husband was doing when I finally resorted to the hoyer lift. They have sling types that will allow you to sit the patient on the commode and many other types that will allow you to actually change the patient. Kadee get the hoyer lift, he needs it, you need it. My husband was also just taking a few steps then trying to sit down anytime I tried to walk him. I finally realized it was wheel chair and lift or a broken hip.
We use the gait belt when needed. We have the hoyer lift in the room but don't use it. He fights it and it takes so long. But the gait belt works fine with two of us using it.