caregiver tips

 

Most individuals with CP (cerebral palsy) have difficulty with posture  and mobility or movement and some to more of a degree then others. If  you are caring for a person with CP, it is important to keep them safe  at all times but there are ways to encourage independence in a safe  environment.  Swallowing Difficulties        Make sure the person you  are caring for is eating a good diet. Often, people with CP have  difficulty feeding themselves and/or swallowing difficulties plus they  may pocket food (not chewing and swallowing food that has been put into  the mouth). This can put them at risk for developing malnutrition or  failure to thrive.  Infants often are not diagnosed with CP right away. A  parent or caregiver may notice formula or milk running out of one side  of the infant's mouth. This could be caused by a weak sucking caused by  problems with the facial muscles or swallowing issues from undiagnosed  CP.  If you notice a problem, contact your pediatrician right away. The  younger a person who has CP is diagnosed plus the sooner intervention is  implemented (like speech, physical and occupational therapies),  usually, better outcomes can be expected.     Appropriate equipment and  devices     Many individuals with CP and other disabilities can become  more independent, safely, with the proper equipment and devices  installed in their environment. For example, grab bars installed in the  shower coupled with a shower chair will make bathing easier for the  disabled individual and their caregiver.  Large quilted bed pads are  great for keeping the bed dry plus as an assist for helping a person to  move around on their bed. A hospital bed is better for an individual who  needs extra help as it can be raised to waist height to so there is  less strain on the back of the caregiver as they help with adl's  (activities of daily living), undergarment changes and other tasks.