Caring for a Child With Cerebral Palsy

Caring for a child with cerebral palsy is tough. Brain damage makes everything the child does more difficult and in severe cases, can make her totally dependent upon others for every task of daily living. She may need to be dressed, fed, bathed, stimulated and taken to more medical appointments than children without cerebral palsy. She is also likely to need special exercises and treatments as often as every day.

Medical Needs

• Children with cerebral palsy sometimes have special medical needs that require care above the basics. Members of the extended family and friends can be helpful in providing respite to primary caregivers. They usually know the child well and are familiar with his care and routine. Another option is home nursing care. A nurse in the home allows primary and secondary caregivers a break. The nurse can give medications, perform tube feedings and manage seizures and other emergency situations. Families sometimes use home nursing care for the child with cerebral palsy so they can care for other children, do household tasks or work away from home.

Emotional Needs

• Children with cerebral palsy may need additional emotional support. Children who are unable to speak have communication challenges that require extra patience and encouragement when they become frustrated. It can be difficult to find activities that are stimulating to a child who has trouble controlling his arms and legs. In addition, he often needs help to participate in the activities. Depression is a possibility when the child is unable to communicate effectively or cannot initiate a desired activity independently. Children with cerebral palsy spend a large percentage of time at appointments and therapies that are necessary, but take away from play. Play is important work for all children. Help a child with cerebral palsy by offering as many play opportunities as possible. That way, caregivers can find stimulating activities that the child enjoys to support his need to learn by doing.

Caregiver Needs

• Parents andcaregivers want to know that the children are happy and have opportunities to experience life as best they can. Once these needs are met and parents know that their children are happy and having meaningful experiences, a break is more than welcome. However, the needs of caregivers to children with cerebral palsy go beyond getting a break once in awhile. Talking with other parents who have similar circumstances is helpful, and there are plenty of online support and talk groups that can meet that need.