Identifying the unmet independent living needs of persons with spinal cord injury

The unmet independent living needs among a sample of persons with spinal cord injury (SCl) was investigated. Subjects were persons who completed inpatient rehabilitation at either the Model SCI Care Systems at the University of Michigan or at Craig Hospital. All subjects were between the ages of 17...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Journal of rehabilitation 1996-07, Vol.62 (3), p.29-34
Main Authors: McAweeney, Mary J, chheimer, Martin, Tate, Denise G
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
People with disabilities
Rehabilitation
Rehabilitation centers
Self-care, Health
Social aspects
Spinal cord injuries
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Summary:The unmet independent living needs among a sample of persons with spinal cord injury (SCl) was investigated. Subjects were persons who completed inpatient rehabilitation at either the Model SCI Care Systems at the University of Michigan or at Craig Hospital. All subjects were between the ages of 17 and 65 at the time of their injuries, lacked substantive cognitive deficits or psychiatric disorder, and had no previous motor impairments. While from a clinical standpoint the presence of any unmet needs should be remediated, from a policy perspective it is important to focus on areas were there is a systematic elevation. Results indicate that persons who reported unmet needs were disproportionately among those at the two ends of the impairment spectrum: Those with minimal deficits and those with severe impairments. Although some unmet needs were found in every area about which subjects were questioned, unmet needs for peer recreation and peer support groups were substantially higher than was the prevalence in other areas. Recommendations include improved coordinated services between independent living centers and medical rehabilitation programs so that the continuity of care from the acute stage through community reentry is complete. Also, increased funding is crucial for independent living centers. The authors advocate empowerment rather than merely maximization of functional ability must be the focus of clinical services and research mode.
ISSN:0022-4154