Adult Inpatient Programs and Services Amputee Rehabilitation

Adult Inpatient Programs and Services

Amputee Rehabilitation

The JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute provides comprehensive services for patients who have had an amputation. The primary focus of therapy is to assist amputee patients in functioning with the loss of a limb as independently and safely as possible.

During the first days of the inpatient stay, a comprehensive evaluation will take place. Based upon the patient's physician's recommendations, goals and a treatment program will be set by the rehabilitation team and the patient. This program may address any of the following areas:

Skin care and wound care
Leisure activities
Swelling reduction
Foot care
Tub/shower/toilet use
Bathing/dressing
Homemaking
Wheelchair mobility
Adjustment issues
Walking
Driving
Transfers in/out of bed
Nutrition
Balance

Daily therapy schedules will include individual and group therapies. Typically, the patient and his or her treatment team decides together when the patient is medically and physically ready for an artificial limb (prosthesis) or have the need for specialized footwear.

Depending upon a patient's progress, the length of stay should average between one and one-half and two and one-half weeks. The team will meet weekly to discuss the patient's goals, progress and discharge plans. Family members are encouraged to take an active part in training and discharge planning. Additional services are available upon discharge for continued therapy.