Cerebral palsy looks different in every child. Some children walk with support, others use a wheelchair, and some also need help with eating, breathing, or seizures. For families caring for children with cerebral palsy in Hollywood, FL, a PPEC brings nursing and therapy providers together in one place.
What Cerebral Palsy Is
Cerebral palsy, or CP, is a group of conditions that affect movement, muscle tone, and posture. It is caused by differences in how the brain develops, or by an injury to the brain, before birth, during birth, or in early childhood. According to the CDC, it is the most common motor disability in childhood.
CP does not get worse over time, but a child's needs change as they grow. Doctors often describe it by how it affects movement:
- Spastic CP. Stiff or tight muscles. This is the most common type.
- Dyskinetic CP. Movements that are hard to control, such as slow writhing or sudden jerks.
- Ataxic CP. Trouble with balance and coordination.
- Mixed CP. Signs of more than one type.
Care Children With CP Often Need
Many children with cerebral palsy have other health needs along with movement differences. Not every child has all of them, but these are common:
- Seizures that need monitoring or rescue medication
- Feeding and swallowing difficulties, sometimes with a G-tube
- Breathing support, especially for children with weak airway muscles
- Medications for muscle tone, seizures, or reflux given during the day
- Positioning and equipment such as braces, standers, gait trainers, and wheelchairs
- Support with communication
When these needs call for a nurse during the day, a PPEC can care for the child while they take part in therapy and learning through play. Every child with CP has an individual care plan based on the prescription from the child's doctor.
How Therapy Helps
Most children with cerebral palsy have regular therapy. At Peek A Boo, therapy providers work on site.
- Physical therapy builds strength and balance as well as mobility, from sitting and standing to walking with a gait trainer or walker. It also helps with stretching tight muscles.
- Occupational therapy works on hand skills, self-care, and positioning.
- Speech therapy supports communication through words, pictures, or a device, and helps with safe chewing and swallowing.
Physical and occupational therapy, along with speech therapy, are prescribed and billed as separate services from the PPEC benefit. Read more in our guide to pediatric therapy.
Nursing Care
Licensed nurses are on site at our Hollywood center. For children with cerebral palsy, that may include:
- Giving medications on schedule
- Watching for seizures and following the child's seizure plan
- Managing G-tube feeds and safe feeding positions
- Airway care and suctioning, with oxygen when needed
- Repositioning and skin checks for children who spend much of the day seated or lying down
Nurses also keep families updated and coordinate with the child's doctors. A physician is on call for the care team.
Does My Child Qualify?
Cerebral palsy is one of the conditions we care for, and children from birth through age 20 may qualify. Enrollment is based on three things:
- Florida Medicaid
- A physician's prescription
- A medical need for skilled nursing during the day
Florida Medicaid approval is renewed every 180 days. For eligible children, Florida Medicaid covers PPEC with a doctor's prescription. Ask us how the ride to and from the center works for your child. Our Who Qualifies page explains each requirement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a child with cerebral palsy attend a PPEC?
Yes. A child attends with a physician's prescription when medical needs call for skilled nursing during the day.
What therapies help children with cerebral palsy?
Physical and occupational therapy, along with speech therapy, are common. At Peek A Boo, those services are provided on site, along with respiratory therapy and ABA.
Is PPEC for cerebral palsy covered by Medicaid?
For eligible children, Florida Medicaid covers PPEC with a doctor's prescription. Therapies are separate services prescribed and authorized based on medical need.
What ages do you serve?
Peek A Boo Pediatric Care serves children from birth through age 20, including school-age children through our after-school program.
Can my child bring their own equipment?
Yes. Children often bring equipment such as braces, walkers, or wheelchairs, and our team uses them as part of the care plan.
Caring for a Child With Cerebral Palsy?
Book a visit to see our therapy gym and meet our nurses. We will check eligibility.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice. Talk with your child's doctor about their care. In an emergency, call 911.