Benefits and Assistance
Crutches and Wheelchairs
It is helpful for leg amputees to possess a pair of crutches, even after an artificial limb has been fitted. You may have a day when the prosthesis is uncomfortable or it is being repaired, or you may find them handy to use after a bath and before bed.
The physiotherapist, who arranges for the crutches to be issued to you, will train you in the use of them and make sure that they are the correct length for you. There are two main types: the conventional long underarm type and the elbow crutch. Try both types, if possible, and decide for yourself which suits you best. The elbow type may be taken apart and packed easily in a suitcase, so they may be preferred by someone who travels a lot. However, where x-ray luggage inspection is conducted at international airports, metal crutches in a suitcase can cause some problems as they can be wrongly identified as firearms. It is recommended that crutches are best taken as a separate item of luggage to eliminate such a problem.
Wheelchairs – All lower limb amputees who are unable to wear a prosthesis are entitled to a wheelchair, as are those who wear a prosthesis but need a wheelchair for use within the home. Stump supports for wheelchairs are also available for those who need them. A specialised wheelchair assessor (usually a physiotherapist or occupational therapist who is specialised in wheelchair provision) will complete an assessment with you to find a wheelchair suitable to your needs.
You may need to have alterations made inside your home to cater for the wheelchair and steps into your home may need to be replaced with a ramp. You can apply for assistance for carrying out any such alterations to your home. If you feel that you need a wheelchair or alterations to your home environment, ask your Limb Centre, hospital or GP to refer you to the appropriate service. If your amputation was the result of an accident, ask your ACC Case Manager.
Health and Disability Support Services
Any person who has a physical, intellectual, sensory or neurological disability, or a combination of these resulting in a loss of function requiring ongoing support for longer than six months, is entitled to access Needs Assessment and Service Coordination (NASC) services. Needs Assessment is a service to identify peoples’ needs, including special equipment and necessary house alterations, and Service Coordination looks at the relevant services available and arranges appropriate support.
Services that may be assessed include home help, such as cleaning, washing and meal preparation. Another service known as ‘personal’ care (which includes assistance with showering, dressing and may include supervising the taking of medications) is not income tested. Carer support is also available. This gives the full-time unpaid carer of a person with a disability a break. To be eligible, the carer must be providing at least four hours or more of care a day. This is not income tested and is allocated in days available per year, based on need. To allow people to live in their homes, ‘supported living’ is an option. The support may be with meal preparation, shopping, budgeting management, attending appointments etc. For those people who can no longer be supported at home, ‘residential care’ may be an alternative. Prospects for this would be discussed with the individual and their family/whanau.
Anyone needing any of these services can make a referral to the assessment agency, either for themselves or on behalf of someone else. Most referrals go through either a GP or a hospital social worker.
Disability Related Information
The Weka website managed by Enable NZ provides useful information regarding specialist equipment and housing modifications. Those people who live in the Auckland and Northland region may also wish to check the Accessable website for local information.
- Information Centres links regional centres that are able to provide in-depth knowledge of local disability services and agencies.
- Equipment suppliers are listed by category and provide contact details and access to websites and online product catalogues.
- Info by Topic is a new category that will be used to list disability related information on employment, education, travel, living with a disability, new to disability, etc.
- Support lists disability providers and agencies by region and by services provided and is being constantly updated as new information comes to hand.
- Library provides access to the Enable NZ free library service that contains many books and DVDs that are available to be loaned by the general public.
- Resources for Maori lists agencies that provide services with a focus on Maori with disabilities.
- News and Events is a medium that can be used to promote and publicise events that are of interest to the disability community at large.
Disability Allowance
ACC
If your amputation was caused by an accident, ACC may compensate you for the income you have lost and meet a range of medical or rehabilitation costs. Your right to cover is usually established by the ACC following your first medical consultation. You may be entitled to up to 80% of the average weekly wage you earned before the accident to pay for medical and rehabilitation costs, household help or an independence allowance. You will be issued with a claim number which you must quote in all dealings with ACC. You must also provide your Artificial Limb Centre with your claim number
Your Rights
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would leg amputees need crutches even after receiving an artificial limb?
How are crutches issued, and what types are available?
What considerations should be made for traveling with crutches?
Who is entitled to receive a wheelchair?
How is the selection of a wheelchair determined?
Are alterations to the home environment necessary for wheelchair users?
What services are available for individuals with disabilities requiring ongoing support?
How can individuals access disability-related information and support?
Amputee Guide
Artificial Limbs
Exploring artificial limbs: enhancing lives, overcoming challenges, and fostering independence.
Phantom Limb
Understanding and adapting to phantom limb sensations for amputees.
Amputee Mobility
Promoting independence and mobility for amputees through advanced prosthetic solutions.
Benefits & Assistance
Navigating financial aid and support services for amputees, focusing on benefits and assistance programs.
Sport & Recreation
Promoting active lifestyles for amputees through sports, physical activities, and recreational opportunities.
Caring For Yourself
Guidance on self-care for amputees, covering limb hygiene, prosthesis care, and joint health.
Children & Teens
Supporting children and teens with limb differences: emotional, educational, and social guidance for growth and inclusion.
Employment
Enhancing employment prospects for amputees through support, rights protection, and tailored services.
Amputee Support
Coping with Loss
Addressing emotional healing and adaptation for amputees coping with limb loss.
Support Networks
Building community and offering peer support for amputees through regional societies and social networks.
Societies
Connecting amputees across New Zealand through supportive regional societies and resources.
Artificial Limbs
Enhancing amputee lives through artificial limbs: adaptation, comfort, and mobility.