‘The moment I leave my home – there will be massive challenges’: experiences of living with a spinal cord injury in Botswana

Abstract

This study emphasised the importance of personal resources, family support, and improved accessibility to facilitate inclusion in the society. Informants requested legislation to advocate for the rights of persons with disabilities to be respected, with the aim of moving towards an equal accessible society. Implications for Rehabilitation Reclaiming or restructuring one's identity after a SCI is crucial for the person's ability to move on and develop beneficial coping strategies. Support from family and friends, staff and peer support are crucial parts in that process. Spirituality, values, needs and coping strategies vary profoundly among persons sustaining disabling injuries. In striving to optimise care, rehabilitation staff needs to be attentive to the personal resources and preferences to be able to individualise care, encounter, and facilitate transition back to the community. Family members play a crucial part in rehabilitation. It is essential for the patients' well-being and care that they get explicit descriptions of the patient's abilities. Living in a well-adapted home will facilitate well-being, independence, and return to work. Rehabilitation staff needs to focus their efforts on making this successful prior to discharge from hospital.