It is impossible to find a universal solution to how to raise and care for a child with cerebral palsy since every child has a different experience. As a parent or caregiver of a person with cerebral palsy, you will be expected to take on many responsibilities unique to that person. Children with cerebral palsy require time, effort, empathy, and patience to care for and raise.
When a child is first diagnosed, parents often feel lost or confused, but they need to remember they are not alone. For your child to live a healthy and fulfilling life, plenty of resources are available. You can become a successful caretaker for someone with cerebral palsy by following the information below.
Parents’ guide to cerebral palsy
When caring for a child with cerebral palsy, there are multiple resources a parent can use to help them along the way.
- Support groups
Reaching out to other parents dealing with cerebral palsy may be beneficial when caring for a child with CP. Primary caregivers have many options for support groups, which create a community where they can network and lean on one another in challenging times.
- Books
You can get information about cerebral palsy from books about the disease. They are a valuable resource that can help you ensure your child has the best possible childhood.
- Legal Aid
The disability compensation system allows you to file a claim if your child was born with cerebral palsy. If you qualify for cerebral palsy legal aid, you will receive financial assistance for your child’s treatment.
- Forums
Families often use online platforms to exchange information, opinions, advice, and encouragement. These online forums are readily available for your help.
Forums can help you connect with other families in similar circumstances to yours, even though no two cerebral palsy children are the same.
- Assistive devices
Communication aids, hearing aids, visual aids, writing/typing aids, and daily living aids are part of the assistive device category. To prepare your child for adulthood, these devices can give them greater confidence and independence in their daily lives. You can also feel at ease knowing your child will be able to communicate efficiently with the aid of an assistive device.
A caregiver’s guide to cerebral palsy
Caretakers often have trouble determining how to improve their children’s lives through daily practices. Make sure your child is receiving the best care by incorporating these tips into your daily routine.
- Take the time to educate yourself
To enable your child to live a healthy, happy life, and become knowledgeable about cerebral palsy.
- Stay up-to-date
You should stay informed about new treatments and ways to improve the quality of life for your child with CP.
Researchers are constantly experimenting with new therapies and treatment methods. It may be possible for your child to receive new treatments that will enhance their quality of life if you stay in regular contact with your doctor and learn about updated information.
- Organize yourself
Keep a record of your doctors’ telephone numbers, medications, medical records, appointments, emergency contacts, and lab results. It can be helpful to have these things on hand before an emergency or doctor’s visit to avoid having to hunt for important information at the last minute.
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle
When a child with cerebral palsy has poor motor skills or gastroenterological issues, it can be challenging to feed them. You can improve your child’s health by including a healthy diet in their routine.
Healthy bones require nutrition. Strengthen your child’s bone density by providing calcium-rich foods such as milk, yogurt, and cheese. Also include vitamin D-rich foods such as fish, orange juice, and cereal. Adding these nutrients to your child’s diet can help them absorb calcium more effectively. Additionally, your child’s muscles will become more flexible, and their joints will hydrate better if they drink water.
Consult your nutritionist often if your child cannot eat by mouth to ensure they get enough nutrition through their gastro tube.
- Be active
Make sure your child stays active. Despite the fact that he or she may not be able to move as easily as other children, encourage them to move as much as they can and work on improving their muscle strength.
Resources for caregivers with cerebral palsy
As parents, it is very common for us to focus so much on raising our children that we forget to care for ourselves. However, it is important to address and prevent the emotional and financial burdens that cerebral palsy can bring.
New parents of children with cerebral palsy may find the following tips helpful:
- Maintain a healthy diet.
You have to fuel your body throughout the day, so it’s crucial that you take care of it. Include nutrient-dense foods like fruits, vegetables, and protein into your everyday diet to keep your energy up.
- Make sure you get enough sleep.
Many parents experience sleep deprivation, which negatively impacts their emotional and physical well-being. Reduce stress and rest by getting eight hours of sleep per night.
- Relax by taking a moment to yourself.
Relax and take some time for yourself to put yourself back in the right frame of mind. Even just a couple of hours off during the weekend can help parents be better caregivers. When a caregiver is frustrated, they aren’t as adept at managing daily tasks and meeting their child’s needs.
- Feel free to vent your frustration.
When parents bottle up their anger, depression, or anxiety, they leave themselves in a state of exhaustion. Families, friends, or professionals are available for caregivers to talk to. Become less anxious about caring for your child by talking it out and expressing your feelings.
- Ask for assistance.
Getting a good night’s rest – let alone taking a few days off – can seem impossible. If a parent feels overwhelmed or has too much on her plate, she or he should ask for assistance. Perhaps you should ask for a little help if you do not have sufficient time to rest.
Some options available to help with child care are:
- Programs offered by the government
A federal government program may offer you and your family additional income and health insurance. You can access the state and local government websites to learn more about these benefits.
Apply for assistance from your local government agency by filling out the proper forms.
- Early childhood education and prevention
To ensure your child receives an education that meets their needs, you have a variety of options. There is no need to go through this alone. If you are seeking the right education for your child, consider these options.
- Many centers specialize in providing special education for children. The facilities are equipped with high-tech equipment and instructors trained to best meet the needs of your child. For low-income families, scholarships are available for this form of education.
- There are many ways to educate your child at a high level in the comfort of their own home, including homeschooling and private tutoring. Having a one-on-one instructor can be very helpful to your child’s development.
Conclusion
Having your child diagnosed with cerebral palsy can be an overwhelming experience. Knowing that you’re not alone can be comforting. In addition, you have access to a lot of resources and assistance from your parents, family, and the government to help you cope. To give your children the best life an adult can offer, you must also look after your own and your children’s needs.
Alton Clarke was born and raised in Syracuse. He has written for MSNBC, The Business Insider and Passport Magazine. In regards to academics, Alton earned a degree from St. John’s University. Alton covers entertainment and culture stories here at Diving daily.