Few events can be more emotionally trying or challenging than losing a limb. Fortunately, an artificial device known as a prosthetic can be inserted in place of the lost appendage and may help said individuals regain mobility capabilities and the ability to perform certain tasks.
That said, the adjustment period could be quite difficult for the recipient. Therefore, said subject’s loved ones often play a significant part in easing and expediting this transition. Please continue reading on to learn several tips geared towards rendering this process more manageable.
Develop A Plan
Medical professionals and rehabilitation specialists maintain that amongst the most important actions a relative or close relation can take is to develop an initial recovery plan.
That said, caretakers should understand that several factors typically determine how long their relation’s adjustment period might take including the circumstances by which the limb was lost, the subject’s current health and physical condition, and the level of disability created by the event in question.
The planning process should involve the subject’s doctors and physical therapists. All involved entities can tailor a strategy most befitting the recovering individual’s physical, environmental, and emotional needs.
Be Alert For Depression Symptoms
Some physical and mental health professionals maintain that prosthetic recipients most challenging moments are in the days following their return home. At this time, reality sets in and the individual in question comes to the realization they must continue on without their original limb.
Such circumstances could precipitate depression. Depression can not only hinder the recipient’s adjustment period and recovery but introduce other potentially significant complications.
Ergo, their loved ones are encouraged to be on the alert for depression-related physical and mental manifestations such as cognitive disturbances like memory and focus problems, appetite loss, excessive tiredness, hopelessness, anger, irritability, insomnia, oversleeping, restlessness, digestive issues, unexplained body pains, and possibly even suicidal ideations.
The presence of any of the preceding occurrences should warrant prompt consultation with the recipient’s team of healthcare providers.
Educate Oneself About Prostheses
Close relations are highly encouraged to educate themselves about prostheses. Important issues to learn include proper administration and removal of the device and the appropriate maintenance techniques.
Moreover, loved ones should also strategize how to help their relative or friend adjust to performing pertinent actions such as climbing stairs, traversing across different terrains, in addition to entering and exiting vehicles or public transportation crafts.
Encourage The Expression Of Feelings
A caregiver must enable their loved ones to express their feelings.
The recipient’s injury, limb loss, and subsequent prosthetic usage should never become taboo. These are circumstances the recipient and their family must face. Attempting to ignore or render discussing said events forbidden only fosters negative feelings like anger, frustration, and resentment.
Rather, all concerned parties should always have the forum to speak honestly and freely about their feelings and emotions. Creating an open environment often expedites the healing process and a return to a relative sense of normalcy.
Be Prepared For Unexpected Challenges
The healing and adjustment periods often present unexpected challenges. Both loves ones and recipients should understand such difficulties will arise from time to time.
Those who have lost limbs and express the desire to resume their lives are courageous individuals. However, they need to realize that adjusting to a prosthetic can be challenging and mastering all associated skills will require time. Therefore, they should not expect perfection overnight.
Maintain One’s Own Physical And Mental Health
Caregivers must also tend to their own health. A caretaker can adequately help the recipient or anyone else unless they preserve their well-being. Said subjects should engage in health-boosting endeavors such as consuming a healthy diet, obtaining as much restful sleep as humanly possible, becoming or remaining physically active, avoiding detrimental vices like heavy alcohol intake or cigarette smoking, limiting stress, and identifying relaxing and productive methods of channeling negative feelings or emotions.
