Activities of daily living

PT/OT P-PAS, Adaptive Equipment and You December 03, 2019 by Sue Cecere PT, MHS
young man using a Rifton TRAM with a caretaker
The Posture and Postural Ability Scale or P-PAS is a tool that can be used to assess posture, postural ability and the quality of posture in prone, supine, sitting and standing positions. Posture, in this context, refers to the anatomical alignment of body parts in relationship to each other and the environment.
PT/OT Using Thigh Straps in Sling Configuration for Toileting or Seat-to-Seat Transfers October 08, 2018 by Barbara Stacy, PT, MOMT
A client sitting in wheelchair, while a caregiver adjusts the straps of a Rifton TRAM to prepare for a transfer.
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...
PT/OT Our Body, Gravity, and the New Discipline of Posture Care Management August 20, 2018 by Tamara Kittelson Aldred
A caregiver reading a picture book to a young boy sitting in a Rifton Activity Chair.
Twenty-four-hour posture care management is quite new in North America, but its roots go back to the 1980s with foundational work occurring even earlier. Children and adults with dysfunctions of muscle tone, reflexes, muscle weakness and joint contracture have impaired movement and develop adverse postures as a direct consequence of their positioning relative to gravity. These can result in complications...
PT/OT Six Features To Love About the Support Station December 19, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
A therapists assists a young man in a sit to stand transfer for toileting at the Support Station.
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...
How To's Features and Benefits of the Wave Bathing System
A caregiver holds a shower want as she prepares to bath a young boy with special needs in the Rifton Wave adaptive bathing system.
For people with significant support needs, bathing is essential to health and hygiene. However, transfer difficulties and the lack of appropriate supportive equipment often make it one of the most difficult tasks for families and caregivers. If you care for someone who needs help with transfer and you don't have an accessible shower, your options for bathing aren't great – either bathroom...
Tips & Advice Hygiene, Health and the Rifton Wave August 01, 2017 by Lori Potts, PT
A young girl smiles happily while wearing her swimsuit as she reclines in the Rifton Wave bath chair.
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.
Tips & Advice Four Field-Tested Approaches For Toileting with the TRAM April 11, 2017 by Lori Potts, PT
A drawing showing a caregiver using the Rifton TRAM to help transfer a person with disabilities onto the toilet.
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...
PT/OT Toileting Initiative Produces Great Results March 20, 2017 by Ashley Rogers, DPT
toileting goals battle monument school
It all started when therapists from the three special day schools of Baltimore County Public Schools sat down to talk at one of our yearly meetings. The discussion turned from the mundane to the visionary, how to provide more functional, purposeful activities for our kiddos throughout the day. And, of all things, we talked about toileting. As a vital part of the student’s day, we wanted the toileting...
Tips & Advice Toileting Transfer Tips for Individuals with Muscular Dystrophy December 02, 2016 by Elena Noble, MPT
A person with muscular dystrophy shown supported by the Rifton TRAM during a toileting transfer even though they have low tone
Transferring someone with low tone and little or no weight bearing to and from the toilet is challenging. Along with a dependent lift, a therapist must guard against the individual slipping down or sagging during the seat-to-seat transfer in addition to managing clothing. Even with lifting devices it is difficult to execute a smooth, dignified, safe transfer with an individual unable to maintain any...
PT/OT The New Wave Bathing & Transfer System vs. Blue Wave Bath Chair November 08, 2016 by Gilbert Thomson, PT
Product photo of the Rifton adaptive bath chair the WAVE in the new color blue
What have we done to improve our old bath chair? Here are the key features that distinguish our new Wave Bathing & Transfer System: Larger and Wider The Wave bathing system still comes in three sizes, but there are some important differences. The seat on the small and medium is now wider – a full 15” – with open sides so the seat is comfortable for all sizes. And the large has a 17...
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