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1.1 INTRODUCTION
CHAPTER 1
Rehabilitation is the word used to descnbe ways of helping those with disabilities to
become fully participating members of society, with access to all benefits and
opportunities ofthat society (Mbeki, 1997:26). It is the responsibility ofthe Government
to make sure that the disabled are well rehabilitated by providing all facilities and health
services that they need. This is made possible through community development
programmes, welfare organizations as well as provincial and local authorities (VIole,
1993: 205).
The National Health Care Delivery System aims at moving away from long term
institutionalization of disabled patients to a short term stay during resuscitation, with
health care to be continued in the community (ANC, WHO & UNICEF, 1994:75). This
enables individuals to use theirremaining capabilities through rehabilitation.
The amputees especially experience many problems in the community, often caused by
lack of proper discharge planning, lack ofadequate information about the care of their
stumpsand lack ofcommunity-based resources. Examples ofthese problems are pressure
sores on the stump, flexion contructures due to poor positioning, or poorly fitting
prosthesis due to improper shapingofthe stump (Kubheka & Uys, 1995:45).
McNett (1991:250) states that from fifty amputees discharged within three years from
urban rehabilitation facilities, ten were wheelchair bound and functionally effective. With
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theremaining forty, ten were using prostheses and crutches and were coping effectively.
This includes all aspects, that is physical, psychosocial and vocationally.
McNett(I991:251) indicates that available social support was ineffectively utilized due to
lackofknowledge and poor community reintegration. This means that from this study,
only 20%ofamputees were productive and successfully rehabilitated. Itwould seem that,
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