Role of the family in the rehabilitation of the physically handicapped

Abstract

This intelligently written book provides insight into helping families deal with the reality of chronic illness or disability of a family member. The authors present a set of helping skills that are proven effective with families experiencing a disability or illness trauma. Also explained are different helping approaches for varied family situations, as well as information about selected diseases and how they impact family dynamics. Included at the end of each section are study questions and suggested activities for those currently working with the disabled, as well as students entering the health professions.

A Comprehensive Theoretical Model of Psychological Reaction to Loss

“…In the field of disability and rehabilitation the importance of individual attributes has been well documented [16,74,75] . It has been hypothesized that by combining the profile of the disability with the sociopsychological profile of the person with a disability, one should be able to determine the type and degree of impact that the disability has upon that person's reaction to the loss, as well as the reaction and mode of adaptation to the disability [24,75] .…”

“…An understanding of the family system, and the roles of each member will allow the rehabilitation worker to effectively counsel the family and thus hopefully lessen the impact of the disability [74].…”

A Home-Based Family Intervention for Ethnic Minorities with a Mentally Ill Member

“…They believe the family system is a primary resource for this adjustment, although the onset of a disability and its resulting complications can affect the functioning of any family. The quality of the functioning preceding the onset of a disability-including the type of support demonstrated among family members and the amount of cooperation during crisis events-can determine how family members will cope with the stress brought on by a disability (Power & Dell Orto, 1980). Each family's unique style of interaction also plays a role in adjusting to the disability, including methods of conflict resolution and problem solving, processes of decision making, and role expectations for the members (Roberts & Magrab, 1991).…”

A Family Strengths Model of Adjustment to Disability for African American Clients

“…The onset of a disability, however, often necessitates a revision or modification of these patterns to facilitate adjustment (Versluys, 1980). The quality of family functioning preceding the onset of a disability (e.g., type of supportiveness demonstrated among family members, amount of cooperation during crises events) can determine how family members cope with the stress engendered by the disability (Power & Dell Orto, 1980). For instance, one family might deprive an impaired family member of social support by avoiding meaningful contact.…”