Accra:SEHA's Salma Rehabilitation Hospital has spotlighted the transformative journey of an Emirati woman with a progressive neuromuscular condition. Her experience at the hospital has reshaped the understanding of rehabilitation as a means to restore confidence and facilitate active participation in daily life.
According to Emirates News Agency, the patient had experienced a decline in physical abilities over several years, eventually becoming fully reliant on others for her daily activities. Upon her admission, the hospital crafted a personalized rehabilitation plan focusing on her long-term needs, communication, comfort, and independence.
A multidisciplinary team, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech and language therapists, and education and recreation specialists, assisted in boosting her confidence and enhancing her social and vocational involvement. Central to her rehabilitation was the use of advanced assistive technology, notably a toe-controlled device enabling her to navigate digital platforms, communicate independently, and produce digital content.
This technology has equipped her with practical digital skills, allowing her to prepare her CV and explore part-time employment opportunities, such as a potential library position.
Nouf Alhadrami, a physiotherapist at Salma Rehabilitation Hospital, emphasized that rehabilitation is about comfort, participation, and maintaining control over life decisions, rather than simply reversing a condition. Similarly, occupational therapist Shahnaz Ansari highlighted the role of occupational therapy in fostering independence through technology, digital skills, and vocational readiness, marking significant milestones in the patient's journey towards employment and self-sufficiency.