A physical deficit may be permanent but feeling disabled can change depending on the expectations and resources of a specific environment (1). Let me give you an example. I heard people in the hospital say they cannot wait to eat a home-cooked meal. But there is a catch. At home people may be dismayed if "pop-pop" shows up for a meal when he needs a shower and a shave, is dressed in his pajamas, and has bed head. I do not think dietary staff who deliver our meals expect patients to look good. Resources can also be different in different situations. In the hospital, aides help people with A.M. care and the dietary department cooks. At home, the person who cooks and assists someone with an impairment may be the same person. You may feel more disabled at home because your family has different expectations and resources than the hospital.
Whether you are disabled also depends an whether you think independence should always be the goal. Phalen says no one is truly independent (1). Many people do not cut their hair, change the oil in their car, or prepare their tax returns. However, able-bodied people help each other by dividing up a list of tasks. Stroke survivors who have only one good hand may not be able to finish what they started unless they get help for specific steps during a task. Repeatedly waiting for help during a task can get on your nerves. My thumb leans on the independence side of the scale. homeafterstroke.blogspot.com
1. Phalen SK. Constructions of disability: A call for critical reflexivity in occupational therapy. Canadian Journal of Occupational Therapy. 2011;78, 164-172. doi:10.2182/cjot.2011.1.78.3.4.
I've technically been disabled since I was 26 (37 years ago). But I wasn't disabled and not being able to work until 9 years ago. I'm still independent but need assistance in a few areas after frustration to do gets the better of me.
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