Recovery Process The following is meant as a guideline only. Each individual's recovery rate is unique and will be affected by any complications, previous medical or lifestyle issues.   •Amputation: 3-5 day stay at acute care facility   •Inpatient Rehab stay at NERHP: Approx. 2 weeks   •Discharge *: At wheelchair level - to continue full healing of residual limb   •Amputee Clinic follow-up: Outpatient visit at NERHP after discharge home for medical follow-up and to assess for prosthetic appropriateness   •Prosthetic Intervention**: Visit to prosthetist for molding/fabrication of prosthesis   •Amputee Clinic Follow-up: Delivery of prosthetic device approx. 4 wks after fitting to evaluate prosthetic fit and to assess for appropriateness of inpatient vs. outpatient prosthetic training   •Prosthetic Training: Individualized to patient needs - duration may be weeks to months   * Individuals not yet ready to go home may have their stay extended at NERHP or be referred to another facility for ongoing care. ** Patients and their families are encouraged to research and interview prosthetic companies and choose a provider before returning to their first outpatient clinic visit.

• Maximize potential for independence in mobility and activities of daily living.

 

• Provide education on strategies for adjustment to loss, discomfort and disability with the Peer Support Group and Buddy to Buddy Program.

 

• Provide medical follow-up and intervention to prevent or minimize complications.

 

• Provide assessment and training for functional prosthetic use.

• Medical management: post surgical, diabetic issues, pain and adjustment to loss

 

• Specialized rehabilitation therapy: occupational therapy (OT), physical therapy (PT), speech-language pathology (SLP)

 

• Skin and wound management

 

• Patient and family education and training: use of equipment, home accessibility, community resources

 

• Case management: coordination of available services

 

• Amputee Clinic: continued monitoring and collaboration with medical team including physiatrist, PT and prosthetist

After an amputation(s), many individuals are not ready to return to their former living environment from the acute care facility. This may be due to surgical wound healing issues, a change in mobility or environmental barriers of the home. An inpatient stay at NERHP is designed to assist patients with regaining their independence in mobility, performance of activities of daily living, addressing equipment needs and continuing to address medical concerns while healing (prior to prosthetic assessment).
 
Most individuals are considered candidates to receive prostheses. Education and training are required to use and maintain these prostheses appropriately. Prosthetic training is available at NERHP on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Individual appropriateness for either program is assessed by the medical team.
 

Patient Jack Garland prepares to take his first steps after Gary Sylvester, PT adjusts Jack's new prothesis.   Gary Sylvester, PT, guides patient Dennis Sanborn through a series of stair climbing exercises.