As an older adult with CP, it can be a challenge to manage your health and wellbeing effectively, while you are dealing with the demands of everyday life. It can help when you know how and where to find the right services and support.

There are supports and services available to everyone in the CP community. Some are provided by community groups and governments at no cost, while others are run by professional organisations.

Make sure you have regular consultations and monitoring with your healthcare team as you age. They will help you to access the services and support you need at the time, so you can continue looking after your health and general wellbeing.

The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) provides information about, and connection to, services and support for people with disability. If you need help applying, or you already have a plan with the NDIS, your team can help you find someone to advise you on how to get the most out of your NDIS plan and assist with your annual reviews.

My Aged Care can provide you with access to a number of government-funded services designed to help you live independently, such as home modifications, personal care at home, therapies, including podiatry and physiotherapy, and transportation.

Members of your team, including physiotherapists, occupational therapists, speech therapists, psychologists or social workers, can also help with advice in a broad range of areas, such as deciding to retire, or moving into aged care.

Deciding whether to move into a retirement home or assisted living can be stressful for anyone. For an adult with CP, there are extra things to think about related to access, equipment and day-to-day support in a new environment.

It is important to start planning your life goals early and to understand it may take time to put everything in place. Your team can provide information about the range of community services and organisations that are available to assist you, as well as helping you with support, equipment and assistive technology, so it can be made available when you need it.

There may also be other things happening in your life that you would like to receive support for, which could include counselling, financial and legal advice, or advocacy.

Some of this information is provided and produced courtesy of The Future Thinking Project, Ability WA.