Do you have a child with Cerebral Palsy? Find out about 6 Costs of Raising a Child with Cerebral Palsy (and How to Manage Them)
6 Costs of Raising a Child with Cerebral Palsy (and How to Manage Them)
While our little ones bring us insurmountable love and joy, the financial challenges of parenting are very real. When your child has cerebral palsy, it can feel like a constant, unrelenting barrage of expenses, many of which you don’t see coming.
Costs for home adaptations and specialised equipment add up quickly, but there are also plenty of other things to consider, like private care, technology, and transportation. Fortunately, support is available, and careful planning can also relieve some financial stress. In this article, we’ll look at six expenses of raising a child with cerebral palsy and talk about the ways your family can make them more manageable.
Equipment and Technology
Incredible advancements in medical equipment have transformed the way children with cerebral palsy move, communicate, and perform daily activities. From mobility aids like wheelchairs, walkers, and standers to speech devices and modified seating, there’s a wide range of adaptive equipment and assistive technology on the market. These items are powerful tools for helping your child gain some independence. However, the price tags aren’t always so pleasing.
While your child’s physiotherapist, occupational therapist, or school will supply many of the tools they need, the responsibility for some things will fall on you as a parent. With wheelchairs costing up to thousands of dollars, it’s no small expense. Fortunately, insurance may cover some of it. Here are some tips for other ways to manage the costs:
- Apply for grants, funding programs, or sponsorships
- Communicate with local charities for assistance
- Keep a look out for secondhand or refurbished equipment
If your child’s condition was caused by a medical mistake, you may be eligible for financial support which can go a long way towards helping out. Get the ball rolling by speaking to a cerebral palsy lawyer who can advise on your next steps.
Home Modifications
Making sure your child is safe and comfortable at home is a top priority, but modifying your home can be a huge expense. If your little one uses a wheelchair, you’ll need things like ramps, widened doorways, and a bathroom that meets their needs.
A good tip is to start small and work your way up to larger, more expensive adaptations. For instance, using a temporary ramp will be cheaper than installing a permanent one. If you can’t afford a whole-house modification, prioritise the areas that need it most. Portable, folding ramps can serve lesser-used rooms. Just pick them up and move them when needed. If you’re renting, it’s essential to reach out to your landlord; they should help cover some modifications.
Therapy and Specialist Care
Physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy can make a world of difference to children with cerebral palsy. To see the most benefit, your child should attend multiple sessions a week, but there’s a significant cost involved. Each appointment can set you back $50 to $200, depending on where you live and the services provided.
While some charities and organisations provide subsidised or even free therapy sessions, it’s quite likely this will be an out-of-pocket cost. To relieve some of the financial burden, investigate options with your insurance company. Government disability benefits should also provide some help.
Transportation Costs
Whether it’s a trip to the shops or a family trip to a holiday park, getting around can be considerably more expensive when your child has cerebral palsy. In an ideal world, you’d have a modified vehicle; a van with a hydraulic ramp, spacious interior, and both side and rear entry. In reality, something like this typically costs upwards of $10,000, with top models well over $50,000. For most families, that’s understandably outside their price range.
The good news is that there are mobility grants and financial aid available for accessible vehicles. Depending on your area, you may find disability discounts for public transport, too. In many ways, the world is becoming more disability-friendly, too. Progress is happening everywhere, from step-free Underground stations to wheelchair-accessible vehicles on Uber; just look for ‘WAV’ on the popular rideshare app.
SEN and School Support
Schools and teachers do their best to accommodate children with special learning needs, but sometimes you need to take extra steps to meet your child’s needs. Some potential added expenses include one-on-one support staff and special education programs. You may also be expected to cover the cost of adaptive learning tools like:
- Communication boards
- Speech-generating devices
- Eye tracking technology
- Steadying devices for writing or typing
- Weighted pencils
- Padded utensils that are easier to grip
The most important thing is to work with your child’s school to set up an individualised education plan (IEP). You can also research and apply for education grants. Finally, don’t forget to join parent advocacy groups. These communities are a great place to learn about local resources, share stories, and discuss legal rights. They also provide a welcome support network for parents dealing with the ups and downs of raising a child with cerebral palsy.
Future Planning
There’s so much to focus on during your child’s early years, but what about the future? Looking ahead means considering things like setting up trusts, guardianship, and long-term care plans. You need to think about what happens when your child becomes an adult and who will make decisions if they need lifelong support. Proper financial and medical planning is essential to make sure they always get the care they need, when they need it.
You may find it helpful to talk to a financial planner, disability advocate, or legal expert who can give you specialized information for your case. Whatever you decide, investigating your options as early as possible is key as it leaves you more time to prepare financially for any costs, especially unexpected ones.
Summary
Raising a child with cerebral palsy comes with plenty of associated costs, from mobility equipment to structural home modifications and private therapy sessions. Just know that you’re not alone. There are grants, resources, and legal options out there to help. To find out what options are available in your area, reach out to a cerebral palsy lawyer, support group, or local charity. Take it one step at a time, and when it all feels too much, take a beat and remind yourself that you’re doing an amazing job!
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