In this guide:
Whether you’re navigating daily life with cerebral palsy or supporting someone who is, this guide will help you explore cerebral palsy activities of daily living, from personal care to social participation.
We will also examine ways to approach each activity with confidence and how support workers like the ones you can find through Mable can help with personalised care, which may be funded by an NDIS plan.
Key takeaways on daily living activities for people with cerebral palsy
- Understand what activities of daily living (ADLs) include, from self-care tasks like bathing, to dressing, eating and transferring from place to place.
- Recognise and address how cerebral palsy can impact daily routines like movement, energy levels, speech and coordination.
- Explore NDIS funding for personal support including everyday care, assistive technology and home tasks.
- Promote independence with adaptive strategies like energy-saving techniques, communication aids and home modifications.
- Consider accessing skilled support workers through Mable to offer flexible, qualified help with everything from hygiene to community participation.
What are the activities of daily living in cerebral palsy?
Activities of Daily Living (or ADLs) is a term that refers to the essential tasks a person needs to undertake to keep life moving day-to-day.
The ability to undertake activities of daily living can form the backbone of independence. For people with cerebral palsy, these activities may require adjustments, tools or the support of others.
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) is another term which refers to activities requiring a higher level of physical and cognitive capability.
When living with cerebral palsy or caring for a person with cerebral palsy, understanding both ADLs and IADLs in cerebral palsy is helpful in deciding where support is needed.
Here are some examples of ADLs and IADLs.
ADLs: Personal care tasks
- Bathing and showering
- Grooming and oral care
- Dressing and undressing
- Eating and drinking
- Using the toilet
- Transferring (moving from one place to another).
IADLs: Instrumental activities of daily living
- Preparing meals
- Managing medications
- Cleaning and maintaining the home
Shopping for essentials - Using transport services for people with disabilities.
When a person with cerebral palsy can be supported to undertake these activities in day-to-day life, it may help lead to increased independence and make a big difference to the person’s self-esteem and enjoyment of life.
Living with cerebral palsy: How it can impact a person's daily life
Cerebral palsy affects people in different ways, depending on the type and severity. For some, challenges might be minor. For others, daily life can involve ongoing support.
As cerebral palsy affects each person differently, understanding its impact on daily life helps build empathy.
How can cerebral palsy affect a person's daily life?
Mobility limitations
Many people with cerebral palsy can have trouble walking, standing or transferring. This impacts how easy or hard it is for someone to move around the home, use the bathroom or access community spaces.
Muscle tone differences
Involuntary movements
Movements that are beyond a person’s control like sudden jerks or tremors can interfere with coordination and make delicate tasks more difficult, like brushing teeth or writing.
Fine motor coordination difficulties
Tasks that require small, precise movements (like buttoning a shirt or using cutlery) may be challenging because of limited hand control or dexterity.
Speech and communication impairments
Some people with cerebral palsy may have difficulty speaking clearly or quickly. This can affect social connection and make it harder to ask for help or explain needs during daily activities.
Fatigue and energy management challenges
Everyday tasks can take more energy for people with cerebral palsy, who might need more regular breaks or adaptive tools to get through the day.
How do people with cerebral palsy get help to navigate daily life?
- Mobility aids – Walkers, orthotics, wheelchairs.
- Adaptive tools – Modified cutlery, dressing aids.
- Assistive tech – Communication apps, smart home devices.
- Personalised support – Allied health assistance or carers.
- Home modifications – Ramps, non-slip mats, accessible layouts.
- Emotional support networks – Family, peer groups, professionals.
Facilitating ADLs in cerebral palsy to help build independence
As with gaining skills or developing habits, building a sense of independence when living with cerebral palsy requires repetition.
Each small win contributes to an overall improvement, like brushing your hair alone, mastering a new app or learning to prepare breakfast.
Therapeutic supports like physiotherapy can also make a big difference.
Learn more about the benefits of physical therapy for cerebral palsy.
Personal care
Personal care and daily ‘getting ready’ tasks can present unique challenges for people with cerebral palsy. Tasks like brushing teeth, eating or getting dressed may require support.
With the right tools and techniques, they can become more manageable and can contribute to a feeling of empowerment.
Strategies and solutions
- Brushing teeth – Electric toothbrushes, stabilising grips, angled handles.
- Handwashing – Motion-sensor taps, soap pumps with wide levers, hand-over hand assistance.
- Bathing and showering – Shower chairs, handheld showerheads, non-slip mats.
- Toilet hygiene – Raised toilet seats, grab bars, bidet attachments.
- Dressing – Adaptive clothing with Velcro or zippers, dressing sticks, seated dressing techniques.
Household and community tasks
Managing everyday chores can be tricky when you’re working with limited stamina or find it hard to use standard household tools. But that doesn’t mean independence is out of reach.
With a few smart adaptations like ergonomic kitchen gear or lightweight cleaning devices, daily life can become more accessible and less exhausting.
Strategies and solutions
- Cooking and meal prep – Ergonomic kitchen tools, electric can openers, adapted chopping boards.
- Cleaning and home management – Lightweight vacuums, smart home devices, easy-grip cleaning tools.
- Shopping and budgeting – Grocery delivery services, online shopping apps, accessible budgeting tools.
Mobility and physical support
Getting around safely and confidently is often key to gaining more independence, yet with cerebral palsy it can be one of the most physically demanding parts of daily life.
For people with cerebral palsy, extra support may be required with walking or transferring from one position to another.
Mobility aids, home modifications and accessible transport options can make a world of difference.
Strategies and solutions
- Getting around – Walkers, wheelchairs, standing frames.
- Moving at home – Ramps, grab bars, stairlifts.
- Transport – Modified vehicles, community transport, NDIS-funded options.
Fatigue and energy management
Living with cerebral palsy can sometimes contribute to fatigue or burnout without the right support in place.
People often use pacing activities, ergonomic aids and diet and hydration changes to help them to feel less drained.
Strategies and solutions
- Task management – Break activities into smaller steps, pace tasks through the day.
- Tools – Ergonomic aids, lightweight mobility equipment.
- Nutrition – Energy-sustaining diets, hydration plans, NDIS-funded dietitian support (if it is part of your plan).
Fine motor and coordination skills
Many daily tasks, from writing to using cutlery, depend on fine motor control. For people with cerebral palsy, small movements may be more challenging.
But the right supports, from built-up utensils to digital assistants, can help to build autonomy and ease.
Strategies and solutions
- Eating or writing – Built-up utensils, weighted pens, angled grips.
- Therapy support – Occupational therapy sessions, fine motor skill games.
- Digital tools – Voice-to-text software, speech-operated smart devices.
Communication and speech skills
Clear communication is fundamental to daily living, yet speech and language challenges can be common for people with cerebral palsy.
Thankfully, there are many tools that can assist with communication challenges. From speech therapy tools like AAC devices to visual language systems like Key Word Sign, there are multiple ways to express yourself and be heard.
Strategies and solutions
- Therapy – Speech-language pathology sessions for clarity and control
- AAC devices – Communication boards, text-to-speech apps, speech generating devices
- Visual language – Learning Key Word Sign or Auslan to support verbal communication.
How disability support workers can help with activities of daily living for cerebral palsy
Independent support workers on Mable offer personalised help to adapt to each person’s goals, interests and needs. Whether it’s getting ready for the day or heading out into the community, they are there to make independence feel more doable.
For some, that might mean nursing care at home to help with medications or complex health needs. For others, it might involve practical help like cleaning services or support with transportation to appointments, community events or even just a relaxed coffee catch-up.
Disability support workers also play a key role in NDIS approved therapeutic supports, working alongside allied health professionals to help build new skills, encourage safe participation and support therapeutic goals in everyday environments.
Importantly, support workers can also help people access the full benefits of NDIS funding for social and community participation, making it easier to explore interests, try new activities and stay connected.
Learn more about the support you can find on Mable.
Transitioning to adulthood: Independent living with cerebral palsy
Growing up means new freedoms, but also new questions, especially for people living with cerebral palsy.
“Can I live on my own?” “Will I get support at uni or work?” The answer is that these achievements can be possible with the right mix of planning, tools and support.
If you’re exploring what home could look like for you, NDIS Home and Living Options could unlock independent living options.
Support workers can assist with everything from household routines to navigating public transport, while ongoing disability support for adults helps build skills and confidence over time.
Learn more about NDIS Home and Living Options.
Resources for daily living support for cerebral palsy
Frequently asked questions
How does cerebral palsy affect daily life, social and physical activities?
Cerebral palsy may impact daily life, social and physical activity in different ways. This could be through mobility challenges, differences in fine motor skills, communication difficulties, fatigue and muscle stiffness. For more information, refer to the Cerebral Palsy Alliance.
What motor skills are affected by cerebral palsy?
Commonly impacted motor skills include gripping, reaching, balancing, walking, speaking and transferring.
What type of therapy helps with fine motor skills for daily living activities?
Occupational therapy and physical therapy can be helpful in supporting fine motor skill development.
What support does NDIS fund for daily living with cerebral palsy?
Depending on your NDIS Plan and eligibility, supports may include personal care, transport, home tasks, therapy and/or social participation.
What are the options for assisted living for adults with cerebral palsy?
The NDIS offers a range of assisted living options that help to promote independence.
The information provided in this article is general information only and based on current information at the date of publication. In addition to considering the information shared in this article, Mable encourages you to conduct your own research and seek independent medical advice relative to your circumstances. If you wish to use your NDIS funding on any of the services outlined above, Mable recommends that you check your NDIS Support Plan or speak with your Plan Manager to ensure that the appropriate services are coverable.