Many survivors need to work because their jobs provide a necessary source of income as well as health insurance and retirement benefits. Many derive a sense of satisfaction or an identity from work. However, some face the dilemma of fulfilling work obligations and demands which can increase the strain on overworked muscles and increase “global” fatigue affecting mental acuity (see Fatigue). The struggle to stay employed and the fear of potential loss of income creates a stress on personal relationships.
Survivors are encouraged to undergo periodic physical assessments to determine what kind of work can be done safely and to heed the advice of the evaluating physicians (see Evaluation) to prevent further harm. Health care professionals have noted anecdotally that survivors who are ill or injured may require three to four times the usual recovery period.
Early retirement can sometimes be delayed by implementing lifestyle changes and making workplace accommodations. For example, survivors can ask for assistance with certain tasks; use a ventilator while taking a brief nap during breaks; obtain a closer parking space; or use a city’s special service transportation system. Employers may be required to provide accommodations, as covered by the Americans with Disabilities Act (see Americans with Disabilities Act).
The Job Accommodation Network (JAN), a service of the President’s Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities, has trained consultants available (800-526-7234; 877-781-9403 (TTY); https://askjan.org/) who can answer questions about job accommodations from both employees and employers.
When issues related to work are raised, survivors are encouraged to look to employee policy handbooks, human resource manuals, benefit plan documents, and the Americans with Disabilities Act for guidance and assistance. Career and employment services are available through private, university, and library resources. Each state has federal- and state-funded vocational rehabilitation (VR) services designed to assist people with disabilities to obtain or retain employment. To connect with VR, check the phone listings under “Government, state.”
Many individuals who contracted polio in the United States and much of the developed world are now past retirement age, but younger polio survivors may still feel a need to work for financial needs, need for benefits only available through their employer, or for personal satisfaction and sense of identity. It is important to weigh these needs against the consequences of continued work that may include overuse of muscles and/or significant fatigue or pain.