Cerebral palsy, or CP, is a condition in which damage to the brain causes problems in the motor system. Symptoms usually appear in the first few years of life. As the National Institute for Neurological Disorders and Stroke explains, difficulty speaking, mental retardation, problems with vision and seizures affect many CP patients. Though the brain damage itself isn't progressive, an adult suffering from CP will face new challenges--both physical and psychological--as he grows older. CP should be treated by a team that addresses all aspects of the patient's life. A friend can help address aspects that are outside the realm of the medical team.
Step 1
Learn about your friend's condition. People with CP have a wide range of abilities and disabilities. If you're close enough and feel comfortable, talk to her and see what difficulties she has and what treatments she's getting. Ask her what daily tasks are most difficult for her. Find out if there are things with which she'd like help. Ask her if there are things she'd like to do, things she'd always dreamed of doing, but can't do without help.
Step 2
Help him with some of his daily tasks. Independence is very important to people with disabilities, but some things to which you wouldn't give a second thought can be very hard for him. Going shopping on a rainy or snowy day, especially when he has to use the bus, can be difficult, and can make him feel miserable and depressed. Offer to help with the groceries on such days. On days when he's having a hard time, lend a hand and help him wash the dishes or clean the house.
Step 3
Stimulate her mentally. Help her do as much as her intelligence allows. Encourage her to be mentally active and to always learn new things. If she has normal or above average intelligence, help her enroll in classes. Take her out to wherever the two of you would like to go together--museums, book readings or films. Help her get the latest technological gizmos so that she can enjoy them just like anyone else. Help her with the physical task of setting them up so that they'll be ready for use when you leave and she's alone.
Step 4
Help him have fun. Take him outdoors or to social events. Physical disability can greatly limit his ability to leave the house. If he's interested in outdoorsy activities, call up your local college and see if there are volunteer groups or of there's a physical education or physiotherapy major. Talk to the program director and ask if a group of healthy outdoor-loving students would like to help you. Go hiking together. With the help of the students, try to do more extreme sports if he's interested. See if there's an equestrian program for disabled people--these can be very helpful, both physically and emotionally.
Tips and Warnings
- Be his friend and his equal, not a caregiver.
- Never assume that someone has low intelligence because he drools and can't articulate properly.
