Tips & Advice
Using Thigh Straps in Sling Configuration for Toileting or Seat-to-Seat Transfers
October 08, 2018
by Barbara Stacy, PT, MOMT
At Desert Mountain SELPA in Apple Valley, California, we’ve discovered a creative solution for seated transfers with the TRAM. This method works really well, particularly for the more profoundly involved kids. Using the standard approach shown in the TRAM Quick Reference Guide (with a thigh strap placed separately under each leg) often results in the body support system riding up the student’s...
Stories
Using the TRAM for Safe Transfers and Mobility in the School Setting
March 13, 2018
by Terri Goebel, PT, Kellie Ray, ESE Teacher and Tara Wayland, OTR/L
Our team of therapists and educators works together to provide opportunities for functional mobility to our students throughout the school day.The challenges we face include a variety of health diagnoses, behavioral management issues, and cognitive and physical deficits. These situations require team problem solving for safe and efficient physical management of the student while maximizing participation in...
PT/OT
Six Features To Love About the Support Station
December 19, 2017
by Elena Noble, MPT
When we’re talking about activities of daily living, it doesn’t get more basic—and more personal—than toileting. But the process of toileting is also a valuable opportunity to teach transfer, standing and hygiene skills—all essential to building independence in self-care.
A successful and thoroughly dignified approach to incorporating these skills into the toileting routine is...
PT/OT
Workers’ Compensation Providers and the Rifton TRAM
October 03, 2017
by Elena Noble, MPT
Lifting and repositioning patients is a big part of healthcare, particularly for nurses and therapists. But how we do this is changing, based on the many studies that show how lifting patients manually without assistive equipment is causing staff injuries, lost days from work and decrease in care quality.
The safe patient handling and mobility (SPHM) approach advocates for patient lifts and mobility...
Tips & Advice
TRAM Tip: Inverting Forearm Mounts for Larger Clients
September 12, 2017
by Elena Noble, MPT
The Rifton TRAM is a versatile transfer and mobility device that can safely support people of varying abilities and sizes. To do this effectively it’s important to position the body support low enough on the trunk, but for people with shorter trunks or larger thighs this may be made easier by reversing the arm support post mounts so they don’t dig into the thighs as the body support is...
Tips & Advice
Hygiene, Health and the Rifton Wave
August 01, 2017
by Lori Potts, PT
When we make bathing easier, our clients are healthier. The new Rifton Wave, a thoroughly reimagined bath chair, improves the bathing and showering experience for both the client and the caregiver.
Here’s a great resource on the features, benefits and medical necessity of the Rifton Wave- a bath chair that can restore the dignity and yes, even the pleasure in the bathing experience.
PT/OT
Creative Mobility Technology for Improved Outcomes
July 03, 2017
by Elena Noble, MPT
I recently attended the APTA Next Conference in Boston. A new component to this conference is the experience zone—an education space in the exhibit hall allowing presenters to draw on resources from the show floor as part of their presentations. A great idea. I attended a course called “Creative Mobility Technology for Improved Outcomes” in the zone.
Here we learned to get the most...
News
The Pacer Family Has Grown
June 06, 2017
by Ray Mommsen, Rifton Marketing
You asked for an extra-large Pacer gait trainer. Today we’re happy to announce the arrival of not one but two new versions, the XL Pacer and the E-Pacer, to help you train your larger clients – and save your backs!
The XL Pacer
We’ve been making gait trainers for nearly thirty years, and lately we’ve seen increased demand for bigger models for adults and even large children. Our...
Tips & Advice
Four Field-Tested Approaches For Toileting with the TRAM
April 11, 2017
by Lori Potts, PT
The Rifton TRAM is a remarkably simple solution for toilet transfers, ensuring safety and dignity for both clients and caregivers. Here are four approaches developed by clinicians in the field to accommodate different body types and impairments.
Download the pdf
Method 1
For client with good trunk tone and weak lower extremities
View Slideshow
Method 2
For clients with moderate weight bearing...