Live-in Care for People with Cerebral Palsy
Most people living with Cerebral Palsy prefer to live independently in their own home. Being surrounded by familiar places, friends, and family provides reassurance and comfort. With a full-time specialist Live-in Support Worker, you receive 24-hour care tailored to your needs and preferences, while maintaining choice, control, and independence.
There are three main types of Cerebral Palsy, and many people experience a combination. Symptoms may include spasticity, which reduces movement and causes painful muscle spasms, difficulties with speech and language, or ataxia, which affects balance and coordination. These challenges can be safely managed at home with the support of an experienced Live-in Support Worker.
An Occupational Therapist can assess both you and your home to recommend equipment that makes life easier. This ensures your environment is safe and supportive, while your Live-in Support Worker—trained in mobility aids and equipment—helps you manage your condition and live life to the fullest.
How a Live-in Support Worker Can Help
Personal Care
Your Support Worker can assist with showering, bathing, dressing, and grooming, including shaving, hair care, make-up, jewellery, and nails. Having Cerebral Palsy need not be a barrier to looking and feeling good. They will always respect your preferences and routines.
Continence Support
Bladder overactivity and incontinence are common with Cerebral Palsy. Your Support Worker can help with bathroom access, incontinence products, or more complex care such as catheter or stoma management, always with dignity and professionalism.
Mobility Support
Movement and coordination difficulties can make getting around challenging. Your Support Worker is there to provide hands-on help with transfers, hoisting, or simply to give you confidence as you move. They’ll ensure your wheelchair is charged and ready and provide reassurance to both you and your family.
Medication Assistance
Trained in safe medication administration, your Support Worker can order and collect prescriptions, prompt you when medication is due, and liaise with your GP if changes are needed. They understand how important medication can be in easing symptoms.
Domestic Support
Day-to-day tasks such as light cleaning, laundry, and household organisation can be tiring with Cerebral Palsy. Your Support Worker will keep your home running smoothly and can also help with correspondence, online shopping, or even gardening if you enjoy spending time outdoors.
Meal Preparation
Meals will be prepared to your tastes using fresh ingredients, ensuring you receive a healthy and balanced diet. Cooking together can also be an enjoyable social activity. Your Support Worker will accommodate dietary needs and help manage issues like acid reflux, which can be common with Cerebral Palsy.
Companionship
Support Workers often build long-lasting relationships with their clients. They’re there not only for practical help but also to share conversation, watch TV, listen to music, or simply provide company—vital for emotional wellbeing.
Pet Care
Pets can be a great source of comfort. Your Support Worker will happily help with feeding, walking, or arranging vet visits, ensuring your pets remain well cared for.
Social & Community Activities
Whether it’s visiting family, going shopping, attending college, or enjoying a sports club, your Support Worker can accompany you and help with arrangements. They’ll support you in maintaining the lifestyle you want, both at home and in the community.
Health & Wellbeing
From supporting daily exercise to attending GP or hospital appointments, your Support Worker will work closely with healthcare professionals. They will also provide emotional support, helping you manage challenges such as anxiety, frustration, or fatigue.
Communication Support
Cerebral Palsy can affect speech, breathing, and muscle control, making communication more difficult. Your Support Worker will be patient and supportive, helping you express yourself, liaise with family or professionals, and understand important information.
Finding the Right Support Worker
At Access Care, we pride ourselves on carefully matching clients with the right Live-in Support Worker. We consider not just qualifications and experience, but also personal interests and values, to ensure a strong connection. Many of our Support Workers have advanced experience supporting people with Cerebral Palsy and a deep understanding of the condition.
For over 25 years, we’ve been introducing highly trained Live-in Support Workers who provide personalised care at home, helping clients live independently and with dignity.
Useful Cerebral Palsy Resources
- Scope – A disability equality charity offering practical information, emotional support, and community engagement programmes. www.scope.org.uk
- Up – The Adult Cerebral Palsy Movement – Raising awareness, campaigning for better services, and building a community to support adults with CP. www.upmovement.org.uk