Instructor Gönül Kil Tetik, Head of the Disability Care and Rehabilitation Program, made assessments within the scope of 10–16 May Disability Week, stating that the most common mistake is doing things for individuals with disabilities that they can do themselves, emphasizing that this negatively affects their independence.
Tetik stated that early intervention is vital, saying, “Giving small responsibilities is very important. They should be given the opportunity to do things they can do on their own. For example, choosing their own clothes, helping at the dinner table, participating in simple household chores, and learning to use money can increase daily living skills. Appreciating their successes strengthens a person's self-confidence.”
Instructor Gönül Kil Tetik, Head of the Disability Care and Rehabilitation Program at Üsküdar University Vocational School of Health Services, made evaluations regarding disability care and rehabilitation within the scope of 10–16 May Disability Week.
Do not do things for individuals with disabilities that they can do themselves
Referring to the most common mistakes in the care and rehabilitation process of individuals with disabilities, Instructor Gönül Kil Tetik said, “The most common mistake is doing things for individuals with disabilities that they can even do themselves. Families often think this is to prevent them from getting tired, but over time, this situation can reduce the individual's independence.
Another mistake is starting rehabilitation late. The idea that ‘they'll get better as they grow up’ can sometimes lead to a loss of time. Furthermore, focusing only on physical needs and neglecting emotional and social needs is also common. However, morale, social support, and love are also important parts of treatment. Creating social isolation can change the direction of the process. Therefore, educating families on this matter is crucial,” she said.
Early intervention yields much better results
Pointing to the decisive role of early intervention in the rehabilitation process, Instructor Gönül Kil Tetik said, “Rehabilitation started early often yields much better results. Especially in children, since brain development is rapid, early education and therapy can make a big difference. For example, children who receive early support for speech delays, hearing loss, autism, or movement problems can adapt to daily life more easily. In some cases, loss of time can lead to permanent problems. Therefore, early assessment is very important instead of waiting for it to pass.”
Tetik, stating that loss of time can lead to permanent consequences in some cases, listed risky conditions as cerebral palsy, hearing loss, autism spectrum disorder, post-stroke rehabilitation, and long-term bed dependency.
Balance is essential between home care and center-based rehabilitation
Tetik, also touching upon the differences between home care and professional rehabilitation centers, stated, “The biggest advantage of home care is that the person feels comfortable in their own environment. Family support is greater, and practicing within daily life becomes easier. Rehabilitation centers, on the other hand, have expert teams, special equipment, and regular therapy support. Especially in cases requiring intensive physical therapy or special education, center support can be more effective. Generally, the best results are achieved by continuing the work learned at the center at home.”
Care burden can lead families to burnout
Instructor Gönül Kil Tetik, also drawing attention to the psychological burden on family members providing care, stated, “Continuously providing care can eventually exhaust a person both physically and emotionally. This is a very normal situation. The caregiver also needs to set aside time for themselves. They should not hesitate to ask for support when needed. Sharing the care burden, resting, staying connected to social life, and seeking psychological support help prevent burnout.”
Different rehabilitation approaches should be adopted according to disability types
Tetik, stating that the rehabilitation process varies according to the individual's type of disability, said, “Since each individual's needs are different, rehabilitation is planned accordingly. For physical disabilities, the focus is on movement and daily living skills. For intellectual disabilities, learning and self-care skills are supported. In developmental differences like autism, communication and social skills are prioritized.”
The goal is an independent and happy life
Tetik stated that daily life is an important tool in developing independent living skills, saying, “Giving small responsibilities is very important. They should be given the opportunity to do things they can do on their own. For example, choosing their own clothes, helping at the dinner table, participating in simple household chores, and learning to use money can increase daily living skills. Appreciating their successes strengthens a person's self-confidence.”
What should an ideal rehabilitation process be like?
Emphasizing that an ideal rehabilitation process is not just a medical one, Tetik concluded, “Good rehabilitation is not just treatment. The individual needs to be supported physically, psychologically, and socially. It is important for doctors, physiotherapists, psychologists, and special education specialists to work together. Family involvement in the process and planning tailored to the individual's needs increase the success of rehabilitation. The main goal is to enable the individual to lead as independent and happy a life as possible.”
