There are many people with disabilities in South Africa, but the good news is that there are rehabilitation centres to help them become independent, Anlerie de Wet discovers
At least 2,9-million South Africans live with disabilities, according to Statistics SA’s 2011 census. There are, however, well-established rehabilitation centres around the country that aim to encourage people with disabilities to become more independent and self-reliant. Here are some:
Western Cape Rehabilitation Centre
The WCRC is a public rehabilitation centre based in Lentegeur, Mitchell’s Plain, for residents of the Western Cape and surrounding provinces. Its services range from the promotion of independence in personal-care skills to wheelchair maintenance and repair.
The WCRC has comprehensive programmes to reduce the impact of disability on its in- and outpatients. They also carry out on-site and at home assessments for those who are unable to travel to the centre.
Tshwane Rehabilitation Hospital
Like the WCRC, the TRH is a public rehabilitation centre, but private patients are also catered for. After the medical condition of a person with disabilities has been stabilised, they are admitted to this facility in northern Pretoria to receive a progressive, outcomes-based rehabilitation service. The TRH help people with disabilities reach their optimal functional level so that they can be re-integrated into their homes, communities and places of work.
Witrand Hospital
The main goal of this hospital, based in Potchefstroom in the North West, is to serve people with intellectual disabilities. However, it also has space to treat people with physical disabilities with medication and rehabilitation. It’s also a public hospital and, like WCRC and TRH, a referral is necessary to receive treatment.
Nurture Aurora Hospital
This private hospital is situated in Port Elizabeth in the Eastern Cape. Its rehabilitation programme is designed according to the needs of each individual to promote efficient rehabilitation.
The families are invited to progress meetings and are educated to provide adequate care to ensure their loved ones received good quality care after discharge.
*This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of rehabilitation centres. Future centres will be covered in subsequent editions of ROLLING INSPIRATION.
