Hue city: rehabilitation intervention cases opened for persons with disabilities and agent orance victims

The activity was conducted directly at the homes of beneficiaries in the communes and wards of A Luoi 1, A Luoi 2, A Luoi 3, A Luoi 4, A Luoi 5, Dan Dien, Quang Dien, Phu Bai, Thanh Thuy, Phong Dien, and Phong Thai. This marked an important first step in the home-based rehabilitation process, enabling rehabilitation doctors and technicians to conduct comprehensive assessments of each participant’s health condition, mobility, ability to perform daily living activities, and living environment.

Based on these assessments, doctors and technicians worked closely with persons with disabilities and their families to establish intervention goals tailored to each individual’s needs and abilities. Personalized intervention plans were developed to improve mobility, enhance self-care skills, and increase the participation of persons with disabilities in family and community life.

In addition to assessments and intervention planning, doctors and technicians also conducted the first rehabilitation sessions for beneficiaries. Training activities included physiotherapy exercises to maintain and improve joint range of motion, strengthen muscles, improve balance and mobility, and apply appropriate techniques to reduce pain. Technicians also guided persons with disabilities and caregivers in performing daily activities such as face washing, dressing, personal hygiene, grasping, and using household items. While seemingly simple, these exercises play an important role in rehabilitation by stimulating affected body functions and enhancing independence in everyday life. The activity also placed strong emphasis on training family members and caregivers in home-based rehabilitation techniques. This helps ensure that exercises can be practiced regularly between intervention sessions, thereby improving long-term rehabilitation outcomes.

Mr. N.V.T., a person with a disability from Phong Dien Ward, shared: “Since experiencing weakness on one side of my body, I have received rehabilitation services at several hospitals, but this is the first time I have been supported with rehabilitation exercises at home. I am very happy and grateful to the project. Previously, activities such as putting on a shirt were very difficult for me, but today, after being guided by the doctors, I found it much easier and was able to dress myself without assistance from my family.”

Ms. D.T.T., a person with a disability from Phong Dien Ward, also expressed her appreciation: “Since my condition began, I have mostly stayed seated in one place and often felt discouraged. I depended on my husband and children for almost everything. After today's session, I hope my condition will improve so that I can perform some activities independently and take better care of myself. I am grateful that the project and the doctors came to provide rehabilitation at my home, and I will do my best to follow their guidance.”

Mr. H.V.K., a person with a disability from A Luoi 4 Commune, said: “My legs have been weak and I have suffered significant back pain for a long time. My family took me for acupuncture treatment, but it did not help and sometimes the pain became worse when the weather changed. Today was only my first intervention session through the project, but I already feel some relief. If I had known it would help this much, I would have hoped for support from the project much earlier so I would not have had to endure so much pain. I sincerely thank the project and the doctors for providing such dedicated home-based rehabilitation guidance.”

Home-based rehabilitation intervention is one of the project's key components, designed to support persons with disabilities and Agent Orange victims in improving functional abilities, enhancing quality of life, and strengthening community inclusion. Following the case-opening phase, doctors and technicians will continue implementing subsequent home-based intervention sessions according to the rehabilitation plan, accompanying participants throughout their recovery journey and helping them maximize their abilities and independence.

Translator: Nguyen Dac Thanh