CEREBRAL PALSY: IMPACT ON THE FAMILY DAILY LIFE

Abstract

Introduction: A child diagnosed with cerebral palsy brings structural and organizational changes into their family’s life. The diagnosis affects family background causing conflicts, fear, uncertainty and doubt. Objective: To know the changes in the daily life of mothers who have a child with cerebral palsy, as well as the difficulties faced in their everyday routine as caregiver mothers. Material and Methods: This was a qualitative, exploratory descriptive study. The study population consisted of 11 caregiver mothers of children with cerebral palsy. The data collection was made by a semi-structured interview based on two guiding questions: (1) “What changes have occurred in your daily life after the diagnosis of your child’s condition?”; (2) “What are the main difficulties of a mother caring for a child with cerebral palsy?”. Interviews were tape-recorded and transcribed for analysis using the Bardin Content Analysis Method. Results: We observed abdication of caregiver mothers regarding their social, professional and even personal life for the care of their children. As for the difficulties, we found situations of prejudice; and difficulties of accessibility, transport and school inclusion. These drawbacks cause physical, psychological and financial burden to the caring mother. Conclusion: Understanding the perception of caregiver mothers in relation to such adversity is the first step for health professionals to develop actions, such as support networks, for example, offering psychological and social support to these women. DESCRIPTORS Cerebral Palsy; Caregivers. Family; Professional- Family Relationships.