Needs of caregivers of children with cerebral palsy: A literature review

Abstract

Background and objective: Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common motor disability that affects two to three children per 1000 worldwide. Caregivers are most often parents of children with CP (CCP) who are responsible for providing primary care. Caregivers of CCP face multiple challenges, such as the manifestation of the disease and difficulty in providing daily care. They also have psychological, social, financial, and informational needs. These needs may be met through participation in support groups. The objective of this paper is to identify the needs of caregivers of CCP and how participation in support groups may meet those needs.

Methods: A literature review was conducted to identify relevant articles on the needs of caregivers of CCP. Eleven articles published between 2008 and 2018 on caregivers’ needs were retrieved and their quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool. The data collected were analyzed to identify key themes related to caregivers’ needs.

Results: Four key themes of caregivers’ needs were identified: informational, financial, social, and psychological. Support groups may help caregivers to meet their needs. As caregivers receive their needed support, they will able to improve their role in providing a high quality care for their children.

Conclusions: Caregivers of CCP have informational, financial, social, and psychological needs which may be met by membership in support groups. Support groups may potentially increase caregivers’ knowledge, receive the needed support, decrease their level of stress, and improve their quality of life.