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2.3 PSYCHOLOGICAL REHABILITATION
Kubheka and Uys (1995:45) quote Farrel (1982:115) with regard to adjusting to the
change in body image and the limitation of mobility with all social, economic and
psychological ramifications involved. This is a momentous task for any person and
requires a lot of support from all involved in rehabilitation. For amputees to be well
rehabilitated they require a high degree ofmotivation to be independent and be able to
help others to build their independence and cope with disability (Footner, 1987:24 as
cited by Siyothula & Kubheka, 2002:24). It is important that amputees meet so that they
can share their experiences about loss of an important body part like a limb, how they
cope with it, that is, becoming aware that loosing a limb need not necessarily interfere
with their lives and the resumption of work, which is necessary and will be beneficial
(Trombly, 1995: 250). Most ofthe amputees require some time for adaptation when they
return to their dwelling, therefore this aspect should be taken care ofbefore the patient is
discharged.
In spite ofdischarge preparation amputees require assistance during the initial stage of
adaptation after discharge. Mpanza and Van Tonder (1994:238) found that the key
helpers of amputees were mostly women, with 85% being wives of amputees with the
majority being in the same household with the amputees they were nursing. The
psychological rehabilitation ofthese amputees was successful as they were open to their
partners and could confide in them all their fears or anxieties with their full support
(Ndlovu, 1998:56). This statement is supported by Chilvers and Browse (1971:58) cited
in Kubheka and Uys (1995:317), who agree that amputees often do not have sources of
assistance for their practical problems, and that relatives were the most common helpers.
2.3.1 EMOTIONAL ADJUSTMENT TO DISABILITY AS A FACTOR THAT
AFFECT REHABILITATION OF AMPUTEES
The amputees and all patients who sustain major traumatic injuries that involve loss of
body parts, use defence mechanisms when they realize the loss ofa body part. Defence
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