7.1.2: Permanent versus Temporary Disabilities
While many of these types of physical disabilities are permanent, there are also temporary disabilities. A permanent disability is one a person will have for their entire lives. A temporary disability is one a person will have for only a short period of time. A person who suffered a stroke may only lose the ability to physically function for a short period of time. With rehabilitation, the person may regain their full or nearly normal ability to function. Another example of a temporary disability would be someone who has had a joint replacement surgery on their hip or knee. A person who has suffered a fractured (broken) limb such as an arm, leg, or pelvis also has a physical disability, but it is temporary. After the period of healing and rehabilitation, people with these types of physical disabilities will likely go on to return to their normal or near normal physical functioning.
Multiple Choice:
Which of the following is an example of a temporary disability?
a). Cerebral palsy
b). Muscular Dystrophy
c). A fracture of the foot
d). An amputated arm
- Answer
-
1. C
FEEDBACK :
A temporary disability is one that a person will have for only a short time. Fracturing (breaking) an arm or leg is an example of a temporary disability. Cerebral palsy, Muscular Dystrophy, and amputations are permanent disabilities that a person will have for their lifetime.
Unique Attributes of Physical Disabilities
A diagnosis of a physical disability is highly individual and unique. Depending on the type and cause of the physical disability, a person may be impacted in different ways. No two people with the same physical disability will necessarily have the same impairments of functioning. While some people may have difficulties with performing activities of daily living (ADLs) such as dressing and toileting, other people may be able to perform these tasks independently, but may be unable to walk or move normally.
A person with a physical disability may need to use adaptive equipment to help them get around. Some types of equipment a person with a physical disability may use are wheelchairs, walkers, and canes. For people who have lost a limb, they may have a prosthetic device, such as a leg or arm.A prosthetic device is a specially made and fitted artificial limb or body part. Prosthetic devices are used to help a person improve their appearance and ability to function (Leahy, Fuze & Grafe, 2013).
Some people may use adaptive equipment such as special shoes or boots to help them with mobility. People with vision or hearing disorders may use equipment such as glasses, hearing aids, walking canes for the visually impaired or even use guide dogs. The use of adaptive equipment such as special plates, cups, eating and writing utensils, and special furniture and supplies can help a person with a physical impairment become independent. Other members of the home health care team such as a Physical Therapist or Occupational Therapist can be very helpful in helping the patient and the HHA/PCA learn about and how to use special adaptive equipment. It is important to remember that every person is unique and will have different impairments of functioning, as well as abilities to adapt to their impairments.
It is also important to remember that adaptive equipment such as a wheelchair is a part of the person’s physical space (Johns Hopkins University, n.d.). The HHA/PCA should always ask permission before touching or moving a person’s wheelchair. They should take care to not lean on, touch, or push the wheelchair without permission (Johns Hopkins University, n.d.). The HHA/PCA should ensure that others also respect the patient’s physical space.
1. Which of the following is an example of a prosthetic device?
a). Wheelchair
b). Walker
c). Artificial limb
d). Cane
2. Which of the following is adaptive equipment a person with a physical disability may use to be as independent as possible?
- Wheelchair
- Prosthetic device
- Glasses
- Hearing aids
- Canes
- Special walking boot
- Special eating utensils
- Answer
-
1. C
2. All of these are examples of adaptive equipment that may be used to help a person with a physical disability be as independent as possible.
FEEDBACK :
1. An artificial limb is an example of a prosthetic device. A prosthetic device is a specially made and fitted artificial limb or body part Wheelchairs, canes, special shoes for walking, and special eating utensils are examples of adaptive equipment.
2. Adaptive equipment is special equipment to help a person be as independent as possible. It can include special shoes, eating utensils, glasses, hearing aids, wheelchairs, and canes. Prosthetic devices are also considered adaptive equipment as they help a person to function more independently in their daily lives.