Psychosocial Effects of Disability

I recently had the privilege of working with a patient who had suffered a M.I. He had a pacemaker implanted and was recovering well. I met him in the middle of his OT therapy and despite the recent attack and the new addition to his body, was in relatively good spirits - I soon discovered why. This man was married and his wife was obviously a big part of his life. He spoke of her constantly, she visited at least a couple times each day, often staying most of the day. She brought him everything he needed and things she thought he might like to have in the hospital to keep his spirits up, like things to do and read, pictures and cards etc. She was obviously a constant source of comfort and encouragement.
In therapy, he spoke about his M.I. and what a shock it was to realize he was in bad health. He spoke about his future limitations and how he would have to pace himself now. He did his therapy in good spirits and was talkative and pleasant. But his conversation always centered around his wife. What they used to do together, where they would go, what he made for her and what he would make next. He spoke of when she came last and when he was expecting her again. I soon realized that this man's wife was a huge part of why he was accepting his medical condition so well, and why he was facing his limited future with confidence.
When it came time for him to be discharged, his wife was there to do "family therapy" along with him. We talked about his limitations and the importance of how he needed to move his body, his need for rest and slow activity. His wife was very involved, talking about what she would do to help him and basically reassuring him that "they" would handle this together.
After they left, I was left wondering about the patients who have no one to visit them, no gifts or words of encouragement while they are there, and no one waiting at home to help them. They certainly have the concern of the doctors, nurses and therapists and many of these are well trained to give words of encouragement and reassurance, but what happens after their stay is done? Many have to go to a SNF temporarily or even permanently.
There is no substitute for the moral and even physical support that we get from our family and friends. What bigger motivation to recover is there than to return home to a happy supportive system? Our role as therapists, beyond basic rehab, will be to teach the patient coping skills, educate the family on how to support the patient, and then give resources for them to move forward.

Attached is an article about returning to life after a heart attack.
http://familydoctor.org/online/famdocen/home/common/heartdisease/recovery/002.html