HARTFORD (June 27, 2022) – Parkville Care Center in Hartford, part of the iCare Health Network, is excited to introduce a post-amputation, all phase limb loss program. The program is designed to holistically treat the patient and their family through the pre and post stages of limb loss and amputation rehabilitation.
Services for residents with limb loss include Rehabilitation Services, Nursing, Social Services, and Nutrition Services and are supported by a consulting physician, mid level providers, wound care consultants and prosthetic and orthotic specialists. Those with existing limb loss will have all of the same critical services and supports available to them but in a long term maintenance and functional improvement model.
Prior to hospitalization, the patient and family will visit the Care Center and be introduced to the therapists who will be working with them during their stay. It will also be an opportunity to sit with the Care Center LCSW to go over psychosocial concerns regarding the procedure and its effect on body image and overall self-esteem. Family caregivers will be invited to participate. Patients will be able to participate in an in-house Pre-Hab program through Touchpoints Therapy where they work with the therapists, prior to the procedure, to strengthen the limbs prior to the procedure.
The Post Procedure Wound Care/Pain Management stage marks the beginning of post-hospitalization care. The goals of this stage are pain management and wound healing. Therapy will also be involved in assuring that no contractures develop and working on balance and transfer training. The area will be evaluated regularly by the Care Center’s wound care team. Frequent visits by the LCSW will occur to help the patient and family adapt to the new body image and coping with limb loss.
Wound closure and Pre-Prosthetic Training marks the beginning of the next chapter. Therapists will work with patient on gaining independence in bed to chair mobility, balance, and transfers. The prosthetist will take measurements and begin fabrication. Nutritional counseling will be on-going. Emphasis will be placed on weight management, and diabetes education where appropriate.
The delivery of the prosthesis marks the next phase of the process. The therapist will work with the patient and family on how to don and remove the device. Therapy will continue to work on walking on uneven surfaces, car transfers, and stairs. The LCSW will continue to meet to ensure that feelings of grief or loss are managed.
The final step of the process involves ensuring that there is a seamless transition home. A home visit is often times encouraged to ensure that the physical layout of the home environment is conducive to a safe transition. Recommendations for additional equipment or renovations will be made at this time. A face to face meeting with representatives of Touchpoints at Home can occur at this time to ensure all are in agreement with the next goals of care.
Nursing and Therapy Education provided to residents include, Proper positioning of a limb following an amputation, falls risk management, signs of developing contractures, Donning and Removal of Prosthesis, Wound Care Healing and Dressing, Assessment of developing complications, Transfers and Mobility, Assessing Weight Bearing Status, Nutrition and Portioning Education, Smoking Cessation Education, Pain Management including Non-verbal indicators of pain and Non pharmacological pain remedies.
For more information call us at 860-812-0788 or visit parkvillecarectr.com.