Wheelchairs And Scooters
Don’t just buy a wheelchair or scooter without asking the advice of your child’s physiatrist, orthopedist or physical therapist. There are three main factors you might want to consider first before making a purchase. These factors include your child’s specific requirement for postural support and control, capability to operate the chair or scooter and requirement for other adaptive equipment.
Also consider where the wheelchair or scooter is going to be used. Is it going to be used mainly in the home or also in school? Do you need to travel a lot? You may need to purchase a lightweight chair or consider its size. Consider if your area has sidewalks or paved streets. You might need a wheelchair or scooter that is very stable, or one that have larger wheels to travel over rough ground. You might also want a growth chair, or a special chair that could be adjusted in the future to accommodate your growing child. Don’t forget to ask about the availability of service and repairs.
Walkers
The cerebral palsy walker is probably one of the most needed cerebral palsy equipment. In fact this is considered the only equipment that could aid a patient in walking. You still need to consider some factors and consult healthcare specialists who are familiar with your child’s health condition before making a purchase.
When choosing a walker, look for one that has enough width so that one can hold it properly. Also consider the weight of the walker, since it has a lot to do with the walker’s durability. Walkers with aluminum frame are oftentimes very durable and lightweight at the same time. There are also walkers with more wheels and those that can either be folded or not. There are many designs available that your child may or may not like. So you might want to consult an experience healthcare specialist about your options.
Eating And Drinking Equipment
Eating and drinking cerebral palsy equipment are also very useful. They can make having meals so much easier and more convenient for you and your child. There are special spoons like the popular maroon spoons, which have a narrow and shallow bowl specifically designed for feeding therapy. They come in various materials. If your child has problems controlling severe biting, then plastic might not be a good idea. There are also spoons with built-in handles for easy handling. Choose spoons that are dishwasher safe.
Furthermore, there are cups designed carefully so that your child doesn’t have to tip his or her head backwards while drinking. There even cups that are flexible so that they can accommodate to the way your child uses them!
There are so many more cerebral palsy equipment that aid in eating and drinking. There are angled plates that make it easy to scoop food up. And there are special placemats that help keep plates in place during meals.
Finally, don’t forget communication aids when searching for cerebral palsy equipment. These are suitable for children who have difficulty communicating. A communication aid can be a reading material that shows pictures or letters that one can use to send out a message. Computers that can talk for your child are also available.
Cerebral Palsy Therapy Tip #1
Get Help – Taking care of someone with cerebral palsy is a lot of hard work. Occasionally you have to take a break and spend some time alone. Ask family and friends for help and teach them how to do what you do so you can get away for a while.
Cerebral Palsy Therapy Tip #2
Stay Positive – Cerebral palsy is not a disease and will not get progressively worse. Accepting the condition for what it is and keeping a positive outlook will make life easier for you and the person you are caring for.