When ambulating a resident with a gait belt, where should you stand?

• A. In front of the resident.
• B. Behind the resident's shoulder.
• C. Stand at the side and a little behind the resident, grasping the gait belt at the waist.
• D. Walk behind the chair.

Answer: (C)

Stand at the resident’s side and slightly behind, grasping the gait belt at the waist. This position gives you immediate control to guide and support the resident, helping you steady them if they start to slip and letting you intervene quickly if balance is lost. Standing in front can put you in the path of their motion and make it harder to catch them, while standing directly behind offers less visibility and control. Keeping a firm grasp on the belt at the waist and maintaining a stable stance protects both you and the resident during ambulation.