Titi Tade Chief Medical Social Worker, LUTH A presentation given at Benola’s 2 nd National Cerebral Palsy Family Forum Managing Cerebral Palsy: Focusing on the Caregiver 02-Aug-2014

Introduction Children play a big part in marriages: every couple look forward to children to complete the family Couples make decisions based on the belief that they will inevitably conceive and have healthy children. When a diagnosis of cerebral palsy is made, the couple is left wondering what to do and where to seek help. 02-Aug-2014

Introduction They will initially turn to Health Care Providers for Medical Care and Support But the HCP can only give professional advice and counsel - the rest is up to the family. For the family to provide the necessary care for the child, they first have to accept the child Acceptance is the key! 02-Aug-2014

Family 02-Aug-2014

The family Two or more people who share goals and values, have long-term commitments to one another, and reside usually in the same dwelling place. The family is home Home is where human needs are met such as Food, housing, warmth, love, safety and security Home is where basic social skills are learned such as greeting, smiling etc Remember the family is the primary agent of socialization 02-Aug-2014

The role of the family The family should provide: Inclusion Respect Accessibility Equal opportunity for all children including the child with CP The Family plays an invaluable role in providing stability and support for a child Caring for a child with CP is a lifelong commitment of love that should include all members of the family 02-Aug-2014

The role of the Family cont. Provide a safe and secure environment for the child to grow in without fear Provide home based care such as e.g. Physical therapy, speech therapy Teach the child adequate and appropriate social interaction Provide enabling environment for positive adjustment of siblings Providing emotional support Advocacy Information Dissemination Support Groups 02-Aug-2014

Psychosocial stressors for family Financial implications Lack of social support Stigma/Discrimination Inadequate counselling to prepare them Strain on family relationships Poor access/ Insufficient specialist care 02-Aug-2014

The Role of the Society Family is the Society: Provision of affordable Special Schools to cater for special needs Provide enabling conditions for increase number of graduates in specialist fields that can provide one on one therapy i.e. physiotherapist, speech therapist, Psychologist, play therapist, music therapist etc Creation of Support groups Increased education of caregivers via health programmes geared towards them. 02-Aug-2014

The Role of the Society Provide easy accessibility in buildings and general physical environment Provide easy access and Safe transportation Laws and Bills to reduce Stigma, discrimination, abuse, neglect, and violations of rights 02-Aug-2014

Care of the Carer Caregiving can be overwhelming It can affect the health, relationships, and state of mind of caregivers. If the caregiver doesn’t speak out, no help will come If the caregiver doesn’t share responsibility with others, they will burn out We need to support our carers: financially, physically, spiritually etc It is important that caregivers should care for themselves as well. 02-Aug-2014

On a final note The family is the society Your child can only reflect what it is given So the society is a reflection of you and your family 02-Aug-2014

THANK YOU!!!

References 1. Challenges in Social Development of young Children - Sean Brotherson, Ph.D., Family Science Specialist, NDSU Extension Service 2. Mizrahi.T, Davis. L.E (2008), Encyclopedia of Social Work- 20 th Edition, NASW Press, Oxford University Press. Images: Aug-2014