Survey of the Demands of the Parents of Children with Cerebral Palsy

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: Because the treatment of children with cerebral palsy needs much time and efforts, the parents are suffering from longstanding treatment and financial problems. Home therapy based on the neurodevelopmental treatment strategy might help to solve these problems extending the time of treatment and helping carry over the effects of the treatment. The purpose of this study is to evaluate current difficulties in managing the children with cerebral palsy and needs of the parents, so that we can obtain a basic information to make the educational program for home therapy. METHOD: A cross-sectional study was performed by questionnaire from the parents of cerebral palsy. RESULTS: The parents recognized the importance of home therapy and were enthusiastic to manage their children at home in 72.7%. However, 38.2% of the parents were lack of practical idea about the skill and knowledge of home therapy, and 51.7% had much burden about time and the expenses of the treatment. CONCLUSION: The needs of home therapy for cerebral palsy by parents were high enough to develop the home program. Thus, practical program of home therapy with education of the parents can improve motor development of the children with cerebral palsy and reduce the time and expenses.