Support for the ill child

 

 

 Parents often wish to witheld the knowledge of the diagnosis from the child due to fears of causing anxiety. However, children are sensitive to the actions of the parents and may already sense distress in the family. If the child is not informed adequately, incorrect conclusions may be drawn i.e 'my parents do not love me anymore' or 'I have been naughty'. 

 

 

1.  In young children (2-7 years old) the concept of death may not be completely understood yet, rather children are more concerned the seperation from the parent. Therefore separation from the parent during palliative care should be avoided where possible.

 

 

2. In children aged 7-12 years old they may worry about being abandoned and loneliness as well as what will happen to their body so conversation with the child should be honest and open.

 

 

 3. Adolescents with diseases that are not curable are the most difficult group of

patients because they are at the stage where they are concerned about their body image and

require independence and privacy.

Support should be given by arranging for them to meet other adolescents who have the disease but are doing well. This provides a source of social contact and reduce possible feelings of iosolation. Also composing poems or writting letters can be beneficial in releasing any emotions they may have accumulated.

 

 

Other interventions include:

- Active listening

-Maintain routine if possible

-Social contact with peers should be maintained, this may be done by allowing friends during visits

-Involve the child in decisions

-Communicate in a simle manner suitable to the child's stage of development

-Answers to difficult questions should be individualised, for example some children may only require limited detail on prognosis whereas others require in depth information

-Advise the child to ask questions if they have queries