How to Find Care For Children with Cerebral Palsy in Georgia
What Is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of neurological disorders that affect movement, muscle tone, and posture. It’s often caused by brain damage before or during birth. Some children have mild symptoms, while others may require lifelong care and medical support.
In Georgia, thousands of families care for children with cerebral palsy, and many aren’t aware that help is available through state-funded programs like GAPP.
Common Care Needs for Children with CP
Children with cerebral palsy may need:
Help with mobility or positioning
Feeding support (sometimes via G-tube)
Respiratory monitoring or suctioning
Assistance with daily activities like bathing and dressing
Medication administration or seizure observation
Ongoing therapy (PT, OT, speech)
For medically fragile children, skilled nursing care in the home can make a life-changing difference, for both the child and their parents or caregivers.
Helpful Tips for At-Home Care
Here are a few practical ways families can ease the daily load:
Use adaptive equipment: Standing frames, supportive seating, and bath chairs can make daily routines safer and more comfortable.
Stick to a routine: Children with CP often thrive on structure: regular mealtimes, therapy, and sleep patterns help reduce stress.
Stay on top of therapy exercises: PT, OT, and speech therapy exercises can often be done at home between appointments. Even 10 minutes a day can help.
Ask for help: Don’t wait until you’re exhausted. Respite care, in-home nurses, and support groups are there for a reason.
Document everything: Keep a care log. Especially around medications, seizure activity, feeding tolerance, and therapy progress. It helps when working with providers and Medicaid programs.
How GAPP Can Help
The Georgia Pediatric Program (GAPP) is a Medicaid program that covers in-home skilled nursing and personal care for eligible children under age 21. If your child has cerebral palsy and requires regular medical care or assistance with daily living, they may qualify.
GAPP can cover:
RN or LPN visits to your home
Certified caregivers (CNAs) for help with personal care
Respite support to give parents a break
And the best part? Families never pay out of pocket. It’s fully funded by Georgia Medicaid.
How Miralta Supports Families
At Miralta Home Care, we specialize in helping families with children who have complex medical needs, including cerebral palsy, access high-quality nursing care at home.
Our team handles the entire process:
We walk you through Medicaid and GAPP requirements
Coordinate paperwork with your child’s doctor
Create a care plan that reflects your child’s unique needs
Match you with qualified, compassionate nurses
We do all of this at no cost to your family.
Local Resources for CP Support in Georgia
In addition to Medicaid programs, Georgia families can turn to:
Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta – neurology & rehab programs
United Cerebral Palsy of Georgia – family resources and advocacy
Georgia Department of Public Health: Children’s Medical Services (CMS) – care coordination and referrals
Easterseals Georgia – support for children with disabilities
Georgia Advocacy Office – help understanding your rights
Get Help Navigating GAPP
If you’re caring for a child with cerebral palsy, you don’t have to do it alone. Let us help you explore your options and see if your child qualifies for free home nursing care through GAPP.
📞 Call us today or book your free consultation — we’re here to make this easier.
