Cerebral palsy care for adults
Support at home and out in the community for adults with cerebral palsy, shaped around how the person moves, communicates and wants to live. The person has their own say in who supports them.
What cerebral palsy is
Cerebral palsy is the name for a group of lifelong conditions that affect movement and co-ordination. It is caused by a problem with the brain that develops before, during or soon after birth. The original problem doesn't get worse, but the condition can put strain on the body and cause problems such as painful joints in later life (NHS).
Some people also have problems with swallowing, speech or vision, or a learning disability. Every person is different.
What a carer does
- Personal care, done with dignity and the person's own way of doing things
- Transfers and posture through the day, following the physiotherapist's and occupational therapist's plan
- Eating and drinking, following any advice from speech and language therapy
- Learning how the person communicates, including any communication aid
- Getting out: college, work, appointments, clubs and friends
- Building independence: cooking, travel, money and routines
From children's services to adult life
Support changes at 18, when social care moves to adult services. Plan early: see care for young adults for the transition assessment, PIP at 16 and EHC plans.
Planning ahead as parents get older
- Ask the council for a needs assessment for your son or daughter, and a carer's assessment for yourself
- Bring in a regular carer now, so the person knows them well before they are needed more
- Write down what only you know: routines, signs of pain, how they communicate, what calms them
Care and clinical care
Carers give personal and practical care. Clinical tasks, such as injections, wound care or changing a catheter, come from the NHS team unless a carer has been trained for that specific task and it has been agreed with the team. Tell us about all care needs up front so we only introduce carers who can help safely.
Which care fits
Many adults use hourly care around college, work and evenings. Live-in care suits daily support, respite care gives parents a break, and two carers can work together when two people are needed to move someone safely.
Help paying for care
- Personal Independence Payment: for people aged 16 or over with difficulty with everyday tasks or getting around, usually under State Pension age for a new claim, and not affected by income or savings (Adult Disability Payment in Scotland)
- Council funding: after a free needs assessment and a means test
- Direct payments: council money you can use to arrange your own care
- NHS Continuing Healthcare: when needs are mainly health needs
A Disabled Facilities Grant from the council can help pay for changes to the home, such as ramps, grab rails, a stairlift, a level access shower or a downstairs bedroom. It is up to £30,000 in England, £36,000 in Wales and £25,000 in Northern Ireland, depending on household income and savings. It is not available in Scotland, where the council can advise on equipment and adaptations. Don't start the work before the council approves the grant.
Rates and rules checked against GOV.UK and the NHS in October 2026. Benefit rates usually change each April.
Tell us about them
The diagnosis, how they are now, routines, and what matters to them.
See matched profiles
Profiles say what experience each carer has, so you can choose with care.
Speak first
Talk to carers by phone or video call before you agree to anything.
Care starts
You and your carer agree the routine, and change it as needs change.
How carers are checked
Before LCH Care introduces a carer, we check their identity, right to work in the UK, Enhanced DBS, two references, work history, and relevant training or qualifications. Carers also hold their own public liability insurance. You then speak to the carer by phone or video call before you agree to anything.
Other conditions
- Dementia care
- Parkinson's care
- Stroke care
- Palliative and end of life care
- Multiple sclerosis care
- Motor neurone disease care
- Cancer care
- Brain injury care
- Spinal cord injury care
- Muscular dystrophy care
- Diabetes care
- Heart disease care
- COPD care
- Arthritis and osteoporosis care
- Sight loss care
- Mental health support
- Learning disability support
- All conditions
Questions
Does cerebral palsy get worse?
The original problem with the brain doesn't get worse, but the condition can put strain on the body and cause problems such as painful joints in later life.
Can a carer use a communication aid?
Yes, once they have learned how the person communicates. Tell us about any aid or signing so we introduce carers who can communicate well.
Who chooses the carer?
The person, with family support if they want it. They can read profiles and speak to carers before choosing.
Can parents get a break?
Yes. Respite care gives parents who usually do the caring a break, from a few hours to several weeks.