Cerebral Palsy is generally diagnosed at birth or in early childhood and is a condition caused by a brain injury or malformation. It typically occurs in early childhood while the brain is developing, before, during or after birth. Cerebral Palsy affects the movement disorder and muscle tone, control and coordination.

There are generally other medical issues alongside Cerebral Palsy:

• Global Developmental Delay (GDD)
• Sensation
• Vision and hearing impairment
• Swallow, reflex and speech.

The care that may need to be provided depends on the severity of the condition. This can range from assistance with daily living skills, to providing full personal and nutritional care.

Shepherd Healthcare Group provides care and support for children, young people and adults who have Cerebral Palsy and associated conditions including epilepsy.

Specialist needs

Superior Healthcare recognises that clients who have Cerebral Palsy may have other complex health needs and we support children, young people and adults who:

• Have a tracheostomy and/or ventilator (BiPAP/CPAP) and require support to maintain a clear airway.
• Use a suction or cough assist device.
• Need support to receive nutrition and hydration via gastrostomy tube.
• Require assistance with personal care including continence care.
• Need assistance with medication administration.

Types of Cerebral Palsy

There are 3 main types of Cerebral Palsy.  Many people will have a mixture of these.

Spastic Cerebral Palsy

Spasticity means the muscle tone is tight and stiff. This 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. It can affect different areas of the body.

Dyskinetic Cerebral Palsy

Sometimes called dystonic, athetoid or choreoathetoid cerebral palsy. Dyskinetic CP causes uncontrolled, involuntary, sustained or intermittent muscle contractions. It may be difficult to maintain an upright position. The person may find it difficult to control the tongue, vocal chords and breathing. This may affect speech and language.

Ataxic Cerebral Palsy

Ataxia is defined as an inability to activate the correct pattern of muscles during movement. This affects balance and spatial awareness. It can make it difficult to judge your body position in relation to things around you. Ataxia can affect the whole body. Most people with ataxia can walk but they will be unsteady with shaky movements. Ataxia can also affect speech and language.

(source: Scope)

Statistics

• In the UK, about 150 children are diagnosed with Cerebral Palsy every month.
• People with Cerebral Palsy have it all their lives.
• Cerebral Palsy is caused by an injury to the brain. The brain does not get worse but the effects of Cerebral Palsy may increase with age.
• In the UK, Cerebral Palsy affects about 1 in every 400 children.

(source: Scope)

Quality Assurance

• Shepherd Healthcare Group is regulated and rated ‘Good’ by the Care Quality Commission.
• We work closely with specialist hospitals including the Evelina London Children’s Hospital, Guy’s and St Thomas’ and the Royal Brompton Hospital.
• We employ a team of trained carers, support workers and registered nurses who are managed by our Lead Nurse Team who include Registered Nurses and Children’s Nurses.
• Shepherd Healthcare Group has up to date safeguarding and whistleblowing policies and deliver training to all members of our team.