Cerebral palsy is a neurological condition resulting in physical disability, making the child dependent on the caregiver. Therefore, caring for a child with cerebral palsy is nothing less than a mental and physical trial requiring effort, patience, and understanding.
A child with CP ( cerebral palsy) needs your attention all the time, making you the only person with a pivotal role in their life. While there are no set rules of advice that one can follow to care for a child with cerebral palsy, some things can make this process much easier and make you a better caregiver.
Read on to know the tips to provide more effective and efficient care to a child with cerebral palsy.
- Get proper knowledge about cerebral palsy
Caregiving for a child with cerebral palsy starts with knowing everything about this condition. Talk to your care provider and discuss the changing situation of your child with them.
Staying informed about the availability of treatments allows you to develop the best care plan for your child. But make sure to get the information from authentic sources.
The medical team looking over your child’s case is one of the primary sources to get accurate information—another way to read about this condition online.
Extensive online sources provide correct guidance about medical and legal help to patients with cerebral palsy and their parents. One such platform is Cerebral Palsy Guide, which offers all-encompassing information about cerebral palsy and the legal help you can get by proving that CP in your child happened due to medical negligence.
- Stay abreast of the care provided to your child
Your child will see many care providers, including doctors, therapists, and specialists. You might also face that one pediatrician refers you to another, and from there, you might contact various specialists. This whole process can overwhelm you with details of treatment. But still, you need to keep a clear head and stay updated about the treatment details of your child.
Most doctors want you to be involved in your kid’s treatment, learn about therapies, make health-related decisions, and see what treatment works the best.
The more involved you are, the more promptly you can see the drawbacks of treatment and consult your doctor or therapist to change the approach.
When you make yourself an integral part of the team of treatment providers, you feel happier and accomplished when seeing improvements in your child.
- Help them indulge in activities and experience the world
Having a child with CP does not mean confining them inside the four walls of the house. This way, you will limit their horizon by keeping them away from the world’s excitements. Therefore, make plans to take them to amusement parks, museums, zoos, and other similar areas where they acquaint with nature.
Also, encourage them to work on arts and science projects, including painting and drawing.
Likewise, playing with play-Doh, putty, clay, and slime is one of the most effective motor activities for a child with CP.
- Feed them nutritious food
Diet is an important aspect of efficiently caring for your child with CP. A nutritious diet is important for every kid, but it becomes indispensable for a child with cerebral palsy; they require a more organized diet plan that helps them with their physical and mental deficiencies.
The recommended diet for a child with CP includes fruits, vegetables, fiber, and lean protein. Also, you need to feed them foods rich in calcium necessary for bone development.
It is pertinent to note that some children with CP find it difficult to eat through their mouth due to swallowing issues (dysphagia). They have a GT in their stomach for food. This tube takes the nutrition directly to the stomach.
- Maintain a positive outlook
A child with CP is not the same as other children, so it is understood that they will not be able to act in the same manner or perform all the tasks others do. But they must not be made to focus on their shortcomings or what they don’t have.
As caregivers, you must make them realize their individuality, what makes them unique, and the things they can do on their own. You must keep a positive outlook about their condition and help them do so too.
Your positive attitude will instill positivity in your child and increase their self-esteem and positive self-perception. If you see your child focusing on their shortcomings, seek mental health help immediately.
Conclusion
Raising a child with CP is a big responsibility. But you can make this practice easier by following the tips mentioned in this article. These tips are based on the views of experts and the research in this field. So, you can easily rely on this information and make caregiving easier and more efficient.
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