Live-in Care For People Living With Cerebral Palsy

How can a Live-in Support Worker assist someone who has Cerebral Palsy/CP?

 

Most people living with Cerebral Palsy would choose to live independently in their own home.  Living in your local community amongst a support network of friends and family can be reassuring. With a full-time specialised Live-in Support Worker, you have 24-hour care and support focused on your individual needs and preferences. You can tailor the Live-in service to maintain control and choice to live as independently as possible.

 

There are three main types of Cerebral Palsy, and many people have a mixture of these. Symptoms can include spasticity which reduces a person's range of movement. As the muscle tone is so tight, spasticity can be very painful with muscles often going into spasm. This can affect different areas of the body. Problems with speech and language, and Ataxia which as an inability to activate the correct pattern of muscles during movement. This affects balance and spatial awareness. These symptoms can be safely managed in your home with the support of an experienced and skilled Live-in Support Worker.

 

An Occupational Therapist can assess your home and you as an individual. They will identify any equipment needed to make your life easier. This will ensure your home is suitable for your needs and that your Live-in Support Worker can support you safely. Your Live-in Support Worker will be experienced with all types of mobility aids and equipment. They will help you to manage your Cerebral Palsy and live your best life.

 

Just some of the help a Live-in Support Worker can offer:

 

Support with personal care

- This might include showering, bathing, dressing, and undressing and general support with your personal appearance. Your Live-in Support Worker will be happy to help with shaving, hair care and make-up, jewellery, and nail care. Having Cerebral Palsy need not a barrier to you looking good! Your Live-in Support Worker will listen to your preferences and how you like things to be done and help accordingly.

 

Support with continence

- Incontinence and bladder overactivity are common symptoms of Cerebral Palsy. Your Live-in Support Worker can support you with accessing the bathroom, using the loo, or more complex support such as catheter and stoma care We introduce Live-in Support Workers who have the right experience & training who know exactly how to help you.

 

Support with mobility

- Cerebral Palsy causes difficulties with your muscles, movement and coordination. You may find it hard to move around easily. This can be challenging, but our experienced Live-in Support Workers are there to help you in any way they can. That might be helping you transfer, hoisting or just being there to help give you confidence. They will also make sure your wheelchair is fully charged and ready to go when you are! Knowing that your Live-in Support Worker is there if you should fall or have an accident can help give you confidence. It will also give your family reassurance and peace of mind.

 

Assisting with medication

– Your Live-in Support Worker will be fully trained in the safe administration of medication. They will help with ordering and collecting prescriptions. They will also assist you and prompt as required when your medication is due. Your Live-in Support Worker can help you liaise with your GP if any changes are needed. They will understand of the importance of your medication in easing the symptoms of Cerebral Palsy.

 

Domestic Duties

- These can prove challenging when you have Cerebral Palsy and are dealing with movement issues and fatigue. Your Live-in Support Worker will help with the day-to-day running of your home including light housework and laundry. Some of our specialist Live-in Support Workers also love gardening. Your Support Worker can also help with other activities such as dealing with correspondence and supporting with online shopping.

 

Preparing and Cooking Meals

– Prepared to your wishes using fresh ingredients, ensuring you are provided with a nutritious and balanced diet. Meal planning and cooking together can be an enjoyable activity. Our Live-in Support Workers will also accommodate any special dietary requirements. Heartburn and Acid Reflux can be an issue when you have Cerebral Palsy. Your Live-in Support Worker will be aware of this and support you to manage this.

 

Companionship

– Chatting and watching TV or listening to music together. A lot of our Live-in Support Workers stay with their clients for a long time and become friends. Building trust and forming positive relationships is a vital part of maintaining emotional stability.

 

Pet Care

– Pets can have a beneficial effect on mental health for everyone and that includes people with Cerebral Palsy. Our Live-in Support Workers will enjoy helping you take care of your beloved pets when you need a bit more support. That may include walking them, feeding them and arranging or supporting with vet visits when needed.

 

Support to arrange and attend activities in and out of the home

- Visits to friends and family or attending places of interest to you. This might include shopping, day resources and sports clubs, visits to your hairdresser, etc. A Live-in Support Worker will be happy to help you get ready for college or University. They can also accompany you if required. They will be happy to support you to meet with friends in the evening or help you make arrangements for this.

 

Support with your physical and mental health

– Your Live-in Support Worker will support you to contact your local surgery for GP or district nurse input. They will be able to support and accompany you to GP and hospital appointments. An experienced Live-in Support Worker will understand and help you manage your emotions and any anxiety. They will be sensitive to your needs and understand the daily challenges you face resulting from living with Cerebral Palsy. 

 

Support with communication

- Cerebral Palsy can make it difficult to control your tongue, vocal cords and breathing. This may affect your speech and language. Your Live-in Support Worker will support you with any communication difficulties you experience. They can help you speak to your family, friends & professionals when you need assistance. They are also there to help understand and process important information, for example instructions from your doctor. Your experienced Live-in Support Worker will be patient and will really listen to you to ascertain your needs and wants.