Falls are one of the leading causes of injury among older adults. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 14 million, or about 1 in 4, adults ages 65 and older report falling each year. While not every fall results in an injury, the risk can have a significant impact on an individual’s health, confidence and independence.
Fortunately, proper training and mobility techniques can help reduce the risk of falls and improve safety for both older adults and their caregivers.
One simple yet effective tool is the gait belt.
What Is a Gait Belt?
A gait belt is a mobility aid that is secured around a person’s waist to help provide stability and support. It gives caregivers a safe, secure way to assist someone while helping reduce the risk of injury for both the caregiver and the individual receiving care.
Beyond preventing falls, safe mobility practices help preserve dignity, encourage independence, and allow older adults to remain active and engaged in daily life.
Why Gait Belt Training Matters
Learning how to properly use a gait belt is valuable for anyone who assists older adults, including family caregivers, friends, healthcare professionals, and staff who work in senior care settings.
Proper training helps caregivers:
- Safely assist with standing and sitting
- Support walking and transfers
- Recover after a fall, if/when appropriate
- Reduce the risk of caregiver injuries
- Build confidence while providing care
Having the right knowledge and techniques can make everyday caregiving safer and more effective.
A Partnership Focused on Healthy Aging
In our partnership with Benevilla, we have a shared commitment to supporting older adults across the West Valley.
Through Benevilla’s Life Enrichment Adult Day Programs and Sun Health’s Memory Care Navigator program, both organizations are dedicated to offering education, resources and compassionate support to individuals and families navigating their unique aging journey. As a CARF-accredited dementia-specific provider with more than two decades of experience serving older adults, Benevilla continually invests in advanced staff education to ensure members receive the highest quality of care.
Hands-On Learning Builds Confidence
On July 23, 2026, we hosted two gait belt training sessions at the Benevilla Education Building; the training was led by Sun Health Physical Therapist Matt Jaspers, DPT. There, he provided practical instruction, through live demonstrations and interactive learning, to more than 20 Benevilla Life Enrichment Adult Day team members. The training supported Benevilla team members who serve older adults across the organization’s three Life Enrichment Adult Day Programs.
Through hands-on practice and real-life caregiving scenarios, participants strengthened their skills and confidence while learning techniques they could immediately implement with members, including:
- Standing from a chair
- Transferring from a toilet
- Walking safely with support
- Assisting someone from the floor after a fall
Matt also expertly demonstrated proper gait belt placement, how to correctly tighten and fasten the belt, and techniques that help caregivers maintain control and safely support an individual during unexpected slips or loss of balance.
By combining education with hands-on practice, participants gained valuable experience they can immediately apply while caring for older adults, feeling more equipped to provide compassionate care.
For Benevilla members, these techniques help promote greater safety, preserve independence, and allow staff to confidently support daily activities while maintaining each person’s dignity.
“Education is one of the most meaningful ways we can support those who care for older adults every day,” said Sun Health Director of Admissions & Business Development Norma Gibson. “We’re proud to partner with Benevilla to provide critical training that elevates caregiver confidence and individual safety—making healthier, longer living possible.”siness Development Norma Gibson. “We’re proud to partner with Benevilla to provide critical training that elevates caregiver confidence and individual safety—making healthier, longer living possible.”
Building Stronger Communities Together
Sun Health believes knowledge is an essential part of healthy aging. Whether you’re a professional caregiver, caring for a loved one at home, or simply looking to learn more about supporting older adults, ongoing education can make a meaningful difference.
At Benevilla, ongoing staff education is one of the ways we demonstrate our commitment to excellence,” said Vice President of Program Operations Courtney Allen. “Partnering with organizations like Sun Health allows our team to continue learning best practices that directly benefit the older adults and families we serve every day.
When community organizations work together to share expertise and invest in caregiver education, older adults and their families ultimately receive safer, higher-quality care. To learn more about Sun Health’s commitment to healthy aging, caregiver education and community wellness, visit SunHealthWellness.org.
To learn more about Benevilla’s Life Enrichment Programs, caregiver resources, and other services that support older adults and families throughout the West Valley, visit benevilla.org.
