Mobility
Mobility varies enormously among people with CP. Some walk independently, some use mobility aids, and some use wheelchairs. Key considerations include:
- Walking aids — walkers, crutches, and walking frames can provide stability and confidence
- Wheelchairs — manual or powered, depending on strength and function. Custom-fitted chairs are essential for comfort and posture
- Orthotics — ankle-foot orthoses (AFOs) and other braces support joints and improve walking patterns
- Standing frames — for people who cannot stand independently, standing frames provide weight-bearing benefits
Regular physiotherapy helps maintain and improve mobility throughout life. Fitness and exercise programs adapted for CP are increasingly recognised as important for long-term health.
Personal Care
Depending on the severity of CP, a person may need varying levels of support with personal care:
- Bathing and showering — grab rails, shower chairs, hand-held shower heads, and non-slip mats help. Some people need full assistance
- Dressing — adaptive clothing with magnetic closures, velcro, or elastic waistbands can increase independence
- Eating and drinking — modified utensils, non-slip mats, and specialised cups can help. Some people need thickened fluids or tube feeding
- Toileting — raised toilet seats, grab rails, and continence aids may be needed
Home Modifications
A well-set-up home can make a huge difference to independence and quality of life:
- Ramps and level entry points
- Wider doorways for wheelchair access
- Accessible bathrooms with roll-in showers
- Lowered benchtops and adjustable-height surfaces
- Hoists and ceiling track systems for transfers
- Smart home technology for environmental control (lights, doors, heating)
In Australia, the NDIS can fund home modifications as part of a participant's plan. Occupational therapists can assess your home and recommend modifications.
Transport
Getting around is often one of the biggest practical challenges:
- Modified vehicles — wheelchair-accessible vehicles, hand controls, or other adaptations
- Public transport — accessibility varies. Many buses and trains are accessible, but gaps remain
- Taxi and rideshare — wheelchair-accessible taxis are available in most cities but can have long wait times
- Companion Card — an Australian program providing free or discounted travel for a companion/carer
- Mobility Parking Permit — available through state and territory authorities
Independence
Independence looks different for every person with CP, and it doesn't mean doing everything alone. It means having choice and control over your own life:
- Choosing where you live and who supports you
- Making decisions about your own care and treatment
- Participating in education, employment, and community life
- Having relationships and social connections
- Using support workers and assistive technology to achieve your goals
Energy Management
Living with CP often requires significantly more energy than living without it. Moving against spasticity, managing pain, and compensating for motor difficulties all take a toll. Strategies for managing energy include:
- Pacing activities — breaking tasks into smaller parts with rest periods
- Prioritising — focusing energy on what matters most
- Using equipment to reduce physical effort
- Accepting support for tasks that drain energy unnecessarily
- Maintaining good sleep hygiene and nutrition
It's not about doing less — it's about spending your energy on the things that matter to you.