Evidence Based Practice Using Prompts to Improve Toilet Training for Children with Physical Disabilities March 30, 2023 by Elena Noble, MPT
A young girl sits on a Rifton HTS (Hygiene & Toileting System) while her therapist helps her position.
For children with multiple disabilities, toilet training is a challenging process. This whitepaper describes the effective use of prompts to shape behaviors and function during the toileting process for successful outcomes in children with physical disabilities.
Tips & Advice 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...
Webinars Introduction to the E-Pacer
A physical therapist demonstrates the Rifton E-Pacer, a device for lifting and gait training.
The Rifton E-Pacer is an exciting new addition to the Pacer family. Its sit-to-stand lift functionality removes a major barrier to gait training with large or highly dependent clients.
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
A young boy uses the rifton tram for safe transfers to standing and ambulation over the carpet of the gym.
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
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...
PT/OT Workers’ Compensation Providers and the Rifton TRAM October 03, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
A therapist smiles at a young man standing in the Rifton TRAM patient lift acquired with a workers compensation grant.
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
A young woman smiles as she is positioned for seat to seat transfer in the Rifton TRAM.
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...
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.
PT/OT Creative Mobility Technology for Improved Outcomes July 03, 2017 by Elena Noble, MPT
A man with disabilities sits on a red therapy ball while PT students demonstrate a creative mobility technique.
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...
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