The best way to get on to the Tek RMD
There is no such thing as the perfect product. Any product has to meet the individual requirements and preferences of the user. However, the Tek RMD is an exceptional, one-of-a-kind type of product, that allows people with lower limb paralysis or weakness to stand and move around in an upright position. It was designed with paraplegia due to a spinal cord injury in mind, but recent enhancements have extended the appeal to those with other neurological conditions. You can review lots of details about the Tek RMD here if you arent familiar with them.
Let’s face it, standing is one of those things that everyone is advised to do for good health - and certainly, this is true for anyone following a spinal cord injury. Standing frames are often used by spinal cord injured persons but these are not always so popular. The best ones allow exercise whilst standing - but they are just best for that one thing. A wheelchair is a very practical method of getting around but they dont necessarily allow you to reach that high shelf or move easily indoors. Standing wheelchairs exist but often are best only for brief standing episodes because you will almost certainly be tilted backwards for stability.
The Tek RMD can elevate the possibilities for independence
The Tek RMD was not conceived as a replacement for a wheelchair. It is designed to allow you to get that health-giving standing regime in place whilst allowing you to get on with your life. Reach that high shelf, empty the dishwasher, wash the dishes or cook at the stove.
So how do you use the Tek RMD?
As you will gather from our other articles, using the Tek RMD is limited to some extent by your imagination. What is less obvious is how to best transfer onto the Tek RMD.
There are basically the following methods
transfer directly from a wheelchair
use the optional transfer seat
transfer from a height adjustable plinth or profile bed
Transfer directly from a wheelchair
Using this method may be possible depending on your wheelchair design and physical ability. You will basically be moving your wheelchair directly up to the tail of the Tek RMD. Alternatively you might use the Bluetooth remote control to bring the Tek RMD to you.
Many paraplegics favour wheelchairs with low and fixed foot plates and this can act as a barrier to transfer because you will note that you cant get close enough to make the transition onto the Tek RMD easy.
If the footplates fold up out of the way or can be removed then you will be able to move the wheelchair forward enough to contemplate the transfer. Some fit clients can maneuover their foot plates directly onto the tailpiece of the Tek RMD.
The second obstacle is likely to be created by the side panels of the chair if they are in use. One way or another, the seat cushion needs to be positioned correctly and if the side panels cant be removed then it can be difficult to get the cushion into place. Refer to the figure below that shows the process.
Transfer directly from a wheelchair
Using the optional transfer seat
The optional transfer seat allows the second approach to transferring on and off the Tek RMD. This is a flip up/flip down seat that is mounted on the tail of the Tek RMD. It is typically used by the client who is comfortable using a transfer board to slide from one surface to another - in this case from their wheelchair to the seat.
Again, the method requires a suitable wheelchair to be in use, but mostly clients who are physically capable of using such a technique would have such a wheelchair. This time. the client approaches the Tek RMD oblquely from behind andplaces the transfer board to bridge between the wheelchair and the transfer seat. In some cases, a “slide sheet” might be used to make this process easier. The seat cushion is placed directly onto the transfer seat before using this method.
Showing the transfer seat in the “down” position
Some clients use this seat for other purposes beyond transfer situations such as when shopping or when a short term, safe seat is required.
Shopping with the Tek RMD and transfer seat
The third method is to transfer from a plinth or profile bed. This is often preferred by clients that have these resources or for clients that are not able to use the other transfer methods.
An electric, height adjustable plinth allows the user to transfer onto the pre-placed cushion. The transfer can take place at the most convenient height and then getting onto the Tek RMD is very easy. The bed or height adjustable profile bed is another likely choice if it has space below the mattress and frame to allow the Tek RMD to be backed up to the structure.
This method is often chosen by those clients who are nervous about transfers or have not developed the necessary skills and phsyical ability to use the other methods safely.
Conclusion
One of the things we commonly see when we visit clients across the UK is equipment that does not work well with other pieces of equipment. Money can be wasted so easily if the whole environment for a products operation has not been considered. We want to delight people with the Tek RMD and the only way that people will be able to live life on purpose is if they deal with the fundamentals. The Tek RMD is a great product that offers many possiblities for clients who need to be able to feel safe and empowered at all times. This all starts with considering how to best get on and off the Tek RMD. Occupational Therapists should be able to advise on making sure that you think through all aspects of your home and wider environment and help you to choose equipment thoughtfully.