Disability does not have to be the grief that never ends: helping patients adjust

Chronic disability is a major health problem in this country. Many diseases, illnesses, and accidents result in chronic physical or emotional disability. The National Head Injury Foundation reports that 700,000 people annually will require some hospitalization after motor vehicle accidents alone. Of these, 50,000 to 90,000 will never completely return to their previous lifestyles. Thousands more will have to make adjustments to disabilities as a result of other injuries or medical complications. Regardless of its severity or cause, a disability of any sort frequently presents a major adjustment problem for the patient.