Amputations support groups

AMPUTEE SUPPORT GROUP

What are Amputee Support groups?

Amputee Support Groups are organisations that are focused upon helping disabled and amputated persons, to make their lives more comfortable. These groups were formed due to the large numbers of amputees emerging in various parts of the world. Hands, feet, and any other body part can get affected by various ailments, thus making it necessary for them to be removed when the condition goes beyond cure. Africa is one among the worst affected countries where a major problem is polio disease. The World Health Organisation has put out a red alert on these conditions. This has led to the formation of various such support groups and NGO’s who work round the clock, even in Africa.

Need for support groups:

When a person becomes disabled, the most important thing that is required to keep them in proper health is support. The transition period in learning to use their new limbs or new gadgets in their daily life is very crucial. This is where support groups come into the limelight in taking these people through the process. Amputee support groups create programs which instruct these people in the easiest techniques to get used to their new support equipment, and to try and bring their lives back to a normal routine. Some support groups also help in the psychological aspects that amputees have problems with. Sometimes amputees can do into depression and can have anxiety attacks, and at these stages they need ample support from people to overcome this feeling. For this reason amputee support groups have counselling sessions readily available.

Certain support groups have their own locations where amputees can be admitted to have an on-site support system. They have volunteers who spend time with these patients, to teach them ways of using their duplicate parts. They have training programs shown by the volunteers, practical lessons and the like. Also, the volunteers ensure that the amputees have a suitable fit of their new parts, so that they are comfortable and don’t feel any sort of irritation. Also, when they find themselves among others who are in the same situations, they feel heartened and will learn to accept their condition.

Support groups consist of: -

  • Doctors who cater to the various medicinal needs of the patients.

  • Healing nurses who sympathize with the patients and give them regular updates on their condition.

  • Analysts – both physical and professional, who out the patients on a treatment plan for about three hours a day.

  • In house psychologists who assist the patients to handle the variety of emotions, and societal & behavioural issues.

  • Dieticians who maintain an appropriate diet chart for each patient.

  • Case managers who are in charge of the patients staying and departing plans.

Support groups also use the latest technologies to assist the patients, like computers aid to fit the gadgets properly and maintain best performance; microprocessor to manipulate knee joints; torsion upgrades; distress incorporation for the foot and the ankle, etc.

Amputee support groups also bring together the patients and their families in a cohesive environment and the skilled workers monitor the interactions and provide valuable feedback. When many families come together this way, there is an integrated approach to handling their problems.