Cerebral palsy usually is identified by the time a child turns five years old. According to Merck, the disease is characterized by a variety of syndromes that cause spastic and involuntary movements, prenatal deformities and poor posture. Treatment is designed to alleviate symptoms and can include Botox injections, braces, surgery and physical and occupational therapy.
Expectations
Many children with cerebral palsy, or CP, can attend mainstream schools and develop the ability to take care of themselves. Most, however, require some level of lifelong care and assistance. The disease is not progressive, but neither is it curable, leaving caretakers to expect long-term responsibilities.
Potential
With the help of assistive devices, people with CP can learn how to become somewhat independent. According to Merck, assistive devices are available that can lessen the burden on caretakers and help patients with mobility and communication skills. Occupational training has the potential to help even the most severely affected patients with daily living activities such as bathing, eating and dressing.
Considerations
While children with cerebral palsy require significant physical assistance from caregivers, they also should receive emotional support and encouragement from caregivers. According to United Cerebral Palsy, CP sufferers should be allowed to maintain a level of dignity during personal and private activities. They should be allowed to make basic decisions about their care and treatment whenever possible to promote self-esteem and independent expression.
Function
The function of a primary caregiver also is to become an advocate for the person with cerebral palsy. The parent or caregiver is a member of the person's healthcare team and should speak on behalf of the patient when appropriate. According to United Cerebral Palsy, caregivers should ask difficult questions and make sure every doctor and therapist involved with the patient understands the patient's individual capabilities and challenges.
Warning
Caregivers also must take care of themselves. According to United Cerebral Palsy, it is easy to become overwhelmed by the day-to-day responsibilities of taking care of a person with CP, and caretakers should make arrangements for regular respite care to take breaks. Support groups can provide a place to find advice and tips from others who care for those with CP. The challenges also can take a toll on the caregiver's health. When a caregiver becomes sick or overwhelmed, she can make poor decisions and direct her frustrations inappropriately.
