Amputee Rehab Program
The WFBH Inpatient Amputation Rehab Program provides specialized, intensive rehabilitation for patients age 13 and older who have suffered limb loss from trauma or disease. The Amputee Program uses the latest technology, in combination with traditional, hands-on interventions, to ease the trauma resulting from amputation and to help individuals adapt both physically and emotionally to necessary lifestyle changes. The team's interdisciplinary approach to care ensures comprehensive and coordinated treatment so that patients reach their highest level of physical, emotional, and psychological ability. The Program also provides training programs to prepare patients and their families for rehab discharge, to help coordinate equipment needs and home modification, and to provide information on lifetime health and wellness resources.
Our Team
Our interdisciplinary rehab team includes professionals specializing in:
Physiatry and Neurology | Clinical Nutrition | Podiatry |
Rehabilitation Nursing | Occupational Therapy | Vocational Rehab* |
Clinical Psychology | Physical Therapy | Assistive technology* |
Neuropsychology | Speech Language Pathology | Prosthetics & Orthotics* |
Social Work | Recreation Therapy | Pedorthic Services* |
*These services are provided by team members who are not directly employed by WFBH, but who work very collaboratively with the WFBH Rehab Programs.
Our Philosophy
Our team knows that each patient is unique, with specific needs, capabilities and potential. Therefore, each patient's treatment is completely individualized and modified as recovery progresses. Together, the rehabilitation team, patient and family set goals and work together to achieve these goals.
Scope of Services
- Physicians specializing in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation (PMR) or Neurology direct the patient's plan of care on a daily basis
- Rehabilitation Nursing is provided 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
- Physical, occupational, and speech therapy is available 7 days a week
- Recreation therapy, clinical psychology, neuropsychology, vocational rehabilitation, and assistive technology services are available 5 days a week, as needed
- Each patient is assigned a Care Coordinator who acts as a liaison between patient, family/caregiver, rehabilitation professionals, and third party payers
- WFBH provides all ancillary services including, but not limited to, Diagnostic Imaging, Laboratory, Pharmacy, Spiritual Care, and Respiratory Therapy
- Consulting physician services for other specialities are provided by WFBH, as needed
- If services not available within WFBH are needed, referrals, contracts or consultations are made for these services, which may include, but are not limited to: orthotics and prosthetics, durable medical equipment, caregiver/family services, substance abuse counseling, rehab engineering, and driver's assessment and education.
- Rehabilitation Program staff collaborate with acute hospital and outpatient rehabilitation staff to promote coordinated patient care across the continuum.
Special Services
WFBH partners with the North Carolina Division of Vocational Rehab to offer the services of an onsite Vocational Rehabilitation counselor. Services include counseling, training, education, and job placement services.
The Assistive Technology Center, located on the campus of WFBH, is a partnership with the North Carolina Assistive Technology Program (NCATP) and is a demonstration center for assistive technology devices (AT).
The WFBH Amputee Program team includes a Certified Amputee Coalition Peer Visitor for peer mentoring. The Program also offers an Amputee Support Group, which gives amputees and their families the opportunity to share information, discuss common problems and learn from the experiences of others.
Treatment Goals
The ultimate goal is to return each patient to the highest level of independence possible, and in most cases, to return patients to home. Specific treatment goals are individualized for each patient and may include:
- Maximizing function in:
- Mobility
- Activities of daily living
- Bower and bladder management
- Addressing sexuality and family issues
- Disability adjustment and counseling and coping strategies
- Patient and family education for individualized needs
Common Interventions
- Addressing the underlying cause of the amputation. Causes may include:
- Diabetes
- Peripheral vascular disease
- Cardiac conditions
- Trauma
- Addressing prevention of complications or further amputations. Areas of concern may include:
- Skin care
- Phantom sensation or phantom pain
- Exercise tolerance
- Prevention of falls
- Medications
- Depression
- Recommending healthy living practices for weight control and smoking cessation
- Assessing, fitting, and maintaining prosthetic devices
- Optimizing community integration and life roles through community outings, recreation therapy and use of assistive technology.