Getting Help Caring for a Child with Cerebral Palsy

We are so impressed, every day, with the overwhelming love and care the parents on our Facebook Page demonstrate for their children with Cerebral Palsy. One of the most consistent concerns expressed by parents is the idea of finding help caring for a child with Cerebral Palsy. The core problem, of sorts, is that parents of children with special needs know their child’s… special needs… so well that there is an immediate fear or anxiety of what another person will be able to do or help when problems arise.

This concern is natural, even positive, because it emerges from a place of love and caring. In an interest to help with your own pursuits of finding the right person to care for your child, we have several tips we would encourage you to consider as you move forward in your selection:

  • Don’t be afraid to ask for help openly and honestly. Many parents tell us that the hardest part of being a special needs parent is maintaining relationships while also not inconveniencing family and friends. The understanding of others surrounding your child’s needs can already be a difficult arena, and so asking for help can seem like a mountain of challenge. Our suggestion: start small and go from there! Allow yourself to ask for a hand when looking for a more simple task at first and see how your child (and helper) handles the short period of time it takes for a movie, grocery store, or even just general household chores. By building up, you can understand who is able to help, your child’s tolerance, and go from there.
  • Is daycare an option? If your child’s Cerebral Palsy allows for activity and engagement with other children, and a more day-to-day care opportunity is an option, we have recently written a guide to choosing the right daycare as a starting point for helping our families. Important to know: the ADA prevents daycare providers from refusing to accept your child due to their special needs. As such, your run-through at a facility near you should be more about ensuring they can meet your needs and not an audition of any sort. Be open with questions on their experience with a child with Cerebral Palsy and don’t shy away from explaining your child’s needs and finding out how they can help!
  • Contact your insurance provider about supported programs. Everyone wants the best for their child. Therapy programs are often prescribed or recommended based upon specific needs, but they may also be an option to enhance your child’s existing abilities. Contact your insurance provider to find out about programs that may be available at a local facility that your insurance qualifies for. With each challenge and effort your child makes, a higher ceiling for their potential may be possible. What’s more, the social benefit of being around other children in a group program can be invaluable to children of all ages and is well worth the simple call it would require to your insurance provider.
  • Connect with other parents in your area! Support groups not only allow for you to speak with other parents facing the challenges you are, they may also reveal options when it comes to childcare. Who would better understand the elements of caring for a child with Cerebral Palsy than a parent of a child with CP? What’s more, interaction with families like yours affords opportunities for your child to connect with kids facing similar life challenges and socialize in a great way! Our team has a wealth of information related to support groups in your state and can be reached through our contact form or by calling (800) 692-4453(800) 692-4453 FREE.
  • The value of after-school programs. While many parents may assume after-school programs are aimed at sports or recreation, there are other options available that allow additional chances for a child with Cerebral Palsy to socialize with kids with common interests. Whether these programs are religious-based, at a school, or even at a local recreation center, don’t limit your imagination to what your child may be interested in, or what may be an option! Call your local facilities, recreation center, place of worship or even pool to explain your child’s needs and see if there is a fit. Just as much as your child may cherish the memories made, these opportunities afford parents chances to tackle chores, fun opportunities, alone time or just a breath.

For more information on any of the ideas mentioned above, never hesitate to call us at (800) 692-4453(800) 692-4453 FREE, post a question on our Facebook Page or fill out our contact form. Our care team cherishes the opportunity to speak with parents and find solutions to the needs of parents and their special children.

Have suggestions for caring for a child with Cerebral Palsy that we missed? Let us know with a comment below or on our Facebook Page!

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