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...
Webinars
Introduction to the E-Pacer
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
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...
How To’s
Features and Benefits of the Wave 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
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...