Senior with cerebral palsy gets helping hand

Patrick Archibald is unable to help himself. The 57-year-old man, who lives at Brenton Road in Chapleton, Clarendon, was diagnosed with cerebral palsy shortly after his birth, and has required the assistance of others to tend to his every since he was a tiny tot.

Archibald's mother, Joan, said that not only is he bedridden, but he cannot talk, and "we have to lift and do everything for him".

Cerebral palsy is defined as a group of neurological disorders that appear in infancy or early childhood and permanently affect body movement and muscle coordination. The World Health Organization said that between one and four of every 1,000 babies born worldwide will suffer from cerebral palsy.

Cerebral palsy caused by abnormal brain development or damage to the developing brain that affects a person's ability to control his or her muscles. Some persons with severe cerebral palsy might need lifelong care. Archibald's mother said he has required care since birth.

"With age, his condition gets worse and now he can't even feed himself, so we need the help with him," Joan said.

On Thursday, the mother received a hydraulic lift from the Harris Foundation to help take care of her son. The machine is used to transfer persons from place to place, such as from their bed to the bathroom.

"This is a blessed and timely assistance," staed the mother after receiving the donation.

Barrington Archibald said the years of lifting their son has resulted in aches and pains. He said that the hydraulic lift will take a huge burden off his family.

''We thank the Harris Foundation for this lift. It will help to ease the pressure," Barrington said.

Neighbour Roger Hawthorne was as joyous as the family.

"I am the one who assisted the family, but sometimes I am not around and I know that it is hard for them, so this lift will definitely be of help," Hawthorne said.

"We were made aware of the need for a lift for this young man who is bedridden," said Michael Harris, president of the Harris Foundation.

"We are pleased that the donation will assists in making the daily tasks a little easier, as the parents are senior people," the donor said.