We need a clear path way for Cerebral Palsy patients in Ghana – Diligent Care Services
Ms Belinda Sigger, Director of Diligent Care Services, an organization that provides support services to people with mental health needs and learning disabilities, has called for a clear path way for parents and professionals handling children with Cerebral Palsy
She suggests that diagnoses of cerebral palsy should be from birth or at the weighing clinics “and when a child is not meeting the developmental milestones, to be referred to the appropriate Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT)
“If there is cause for concern and a developmental delay or condition is clearly diagnosed, MDT referrals such as Neurology, Speech and Language, Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy. Dentist, opticians and when a bit older, Special education and Continence management must be followed.”
Ms Siggers said this when she donated GHc2750 cedis to the Special Mothers project to facilitate a workshop for parents and care-givers of children with cerebral palsy.
The workshop, which aims at bringing health professionals including physiotherapist, speech therapist, nutritionist among others in contact with parents and care-givers seeks to share basic knowledge with regards to handling and general management of a child with Cerebral Palsy
It will also serve as a skill learning platform, while it gives parents the opportunity to exchange information about the right kind of services available in terms of education and health facilities.
Mrs Hannah Awadzi, Initiator of the Special Mothers Project, a project that advocates and create awareness about Cerebral Palsy who received the money said many parents and care-givers of children with Cerebral Palsy (CP) struggle with handling and general management of the children.
“This is because children with CP need specialized care, the Children should be seated right, even though many parents/carers lack the right seating and mobility equipment, the ability to improvise or handle in a right way goes a long way to improve the health and general well-being of the children.
She said there are also issues with feeding a child with Cerebral Palsy, sleeping posture, helping to stand etc are all parts of issues that parents struggle with, hence the workshop to share such information to many of the parents.
“We must also note that some parents with CP children in Ghana are advised on the right path way with regards to the Multi-Disciplinary Team but lack of money to pay for all these services continuously discourages them,” Mrs Awadzi noted
Expressing her appreciation, she said Diligent Care Services is supporting a worthy cause and urged other corporate organizations to support the project and help enhance the lives of children living with Cerebral Palsy
Cerebral Palsy is a neurological disorder that affects movement, muscle coordination and speech in children. It is the number one cause of disability in children.