Preparing for end of life

A very helpful booklet was written by Dr. Laura Clipsham, Palliative Care Consultant at University Hospital of Leicester for LOROS, which raises important points, such as:

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1. By acknowledging that a family member has a serious illness, we can also talk about our own feelings and thoughts about that illness, and help children make sense of what is happening.
    

2. The impact on each child is different. For some children, a change within their home life occurs suddenly, but for others this happens more gradually. These changes when they do occur may be emotional, practical or both.
    

3. Talking to children about what is happening is like helping them to complete a jigsaw puzzle. The more information you can give them, the clearer and more accurate the picture will be. You don't have to give the information all at once.
    

4. It can be hard to explain an illness that isn't visible.
    

5. Most families can cope with a serious illness if they can talk about what is happening and how they feel about it, but if changes in your child's behaviour persist or get worse, you may need to think about getting some help.
    

6. At home, maintain clear rules and expectations, as this helps children to cope. Try to keep your child's routines and schedules consistent where possible and explain any changes which occur, in advance if possible.
    

7. Resilience is the ability to 'bounce back'. Resilient families are more able to deal with the difficulties they may encounter.
    

8. When families are affected by serious illness, there are few things which children can influence or change. Choosing whether to visit a family member if they are in a hospital or hospice is something they can have a choice about. It is our role as adults to support them in this decision if the hospital or hospice allow visiting.
    

9. A discussion with you, or another adult involved in caring for your child enables the school to put support systems in place for them and helps them understand what may be happening in your child's life outside of school. The changes in a child's life can affect what they 'bring' to school each day. The routines and schedules at school give stability and can help children to feel secure, especially when their family life becomes disrupted by illness. Whilst maintaining a sense of normality is important for many children, making a few adjustments may be key to providing help and support.
    

10. It is normal for children to ask questions about death. If we allow ourselves to talk about death, we can give them the information they need to prepare them for a crisis, and help them when they are upset.

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For more information and for the booklet 'Supporting children when someone in the family has a serious Illness', visit the LOROS website: 
 

www.loros.co.uk/media/leaflets/LOROS_Childrens_Grief_Bereavement_Book.pdf