Providing Live-in Child Care for Cerebral Palsy

Every year in the U.S., an estimated 10,000 babies develop cerebral palsy. However, no two children are affected in exactly the same way. We work with host families to match these children with Care Professionals who are trained in physical therapy or occupational therapy to help your child thrive and achieve their potential.These Care Professionals can help children with cerebral palsy improve their movement, coordination, balance, and dexterity using therapeutic approaches that supplement professional therapy sessions.Early and ongoing intervention is key, as it provides your child with the opportunity to receive the support they need during crucial stages of growth.

Our skilled Care Professionals can offer various forms of assistance that cater to your child’s individual needs. Here are some ways they can help in the home:

1. Mobility Assistance: Children with cerebral palsy may have mobility challenges. Our Care Professionals can provide physical support, utilize assistive devices and offer suggestions to help your child move around comfortably and assist with motor learning.
2. Therapeutic Exercises: Many of our Care Professionals have a degree from Germany in Occupational Therapy or Physical Therapy and can integrate prescribed therapeutic exercises on a day to day basis that help improve muscle strength, coordination, and flexibility.
3. Adaptive Equipment: Introducing and using adaptive equipment tailored to your child’s needs can enhance their daily activities. Apex Care Professionals can ensure proper use of devices such as braces, splints, or communication aids.
4. Daily Care: Caring for a child with cerebral palsy might involve tasks such as feeding, bathing, toileting and dressing. They can provide assistance with these activities of daily living while promoting your child’s independence.
5. Communication Support: If your child faces challenges with speech or communication, a Care Professional can use techniques like augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) to help them express themselves effectively.
6. Emotional Support: Our caregivers can create a warm and understanding environment, offering emotional support that boosts your child’s self-esteem and confidence.
7. Education and Learning: Our Care Professionals can help implement tailored educational activities that can stimulate your child’s cognitive development and work on educational tasks suited to your child’s abilities and interests.
8. Social Interaction: Children with cerebral palsy may benefit from social interaction opportunities. Our caregivers can organize play dates or engage in activities that encourage socialization.
9. Family & Care Team Collaboration: By involving the whole family and care team in your child’s Apex Individualized Care Plan, a Care Professional can work uniformly towards various needs and goals.