| | 'Spinal Injuries Ireland launch new report | | | | | | | The Living Experiences of People Living with a Spinal Cord Injury
The Physical & Psychological Impact
| | | People living with a spinal cord injury face many challenges and worries that can affect their daily lives. This report seeks to increase the awareness of the impact of SCI. Although quite a lot is known about the impact in general little is reported on the Irish experience.
Few physical disabilities are as complex or as challenging as SCI, it is one of the most devastating of all traumatic events and can result in a cascade of medical, psychological, social, occupational and financial consequences (Glass 1999).
Throughout the last year two pieces of research were undertaken specifically relating to people who had sustained a spinal cord injury in Ireland. The first piece looked at the living experiences of people with a SCI which focused on issues such as employment, education, community services, housing and poverty. The second piece of research looked at many of the same issues but focused on peoples quality of life post injury.
| A summary of the findings are as follows:
| . At present people with a spinal cord injury in Ireland are:
. Predominately male
. Aged between 34-65
. Majority are paraplegic and full time wheelchair users.
| | | Main cause of SCI:
| . Road traffic accidents
. Medical conditions
Majority of respondents stated they lived in a rural area
Majority lived in accommodation privately owned by themselves or family
Results revealed a heavy dependence on the Housing Adaptation Grant, which was not adequate to meet the cost of making adaptations.
3/4 of respondents stated they have a medical card, with low levels of satisfaction reported relating to services.
At the time of injury 3/4 respondents reported to be employed. This figure dropped dramatically to only 1/3 employed post injury.
| The most common reason given for not returning to work was:
| . Lack of access
. Fear of losing medical card
Almost 1/3 of respondents reported living below the poverty line
90% of respondents stated that they experienced spasm which can be a major factor in reducing quality of life
80% stated they suffered from bladder and bowel problems
80% stated they suffered from pain
| Quality of life was examined and despite having a spinal cord injury the overall sample scored well. The research looked at mobility status and quality of life in relation to social supports and little differences were noted.
Differences were noted in quality of life of those who sustained an incomplete injury who required an aid to walk. The area this group highlighted as having a significant affect on their quality of life was pain, vitality and social functioning. This group also reported poor quality of life in general health, emotional roles and mental health than those who were full-time wheelchair users.
| | | Quality of life was examined and despite having a spinal cord injury the overall sample scored well. The research looked at mobility status and quality of life in relation to social supports and little differences were noted.
Differences were noted in quality of life of those who sustained an incomplete injury who required an aid to walk. The area this group highlighted as having a significant affect on their quality of life was pain, vitality and social functioning. This group also reported poor quality of life in general health, emotional roles and mental health than those who were full-time wheelchair users.
| | | When asked what would help improve quality of life respondents reported:
| . More follow up
. Further development of services
. More local support meetings
. Employment and Education options
. Not having to fight for everything
| | | Recommendations
| Accommodation: there is little evidence to suggest that the introduction of the Housing Adaptation Grant has made any improvements. While it is important that further research should be conducted in this area, more importantly there needs to be a serious financial commitment from the government to sufficiently fund this grant. At present money is being ill spent on delayed discharges and inappropriate placement in nursing homes.
Disability Services: there is a significant need for health service provision specific to the needs of people with SCI. Local primary care teams need to be sensitive to the specific needs of people with a spinal cord injury living in their community. In keeping with the philosophy of the recommendations of the Commission for the status of people with disabilities, there is a need for regional rehabilitation | | |
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