Care for the Family
Having a child in the hospital can be a stressful and emotionally demanding
time for family members. It is important you take care of yourself so you
are able to help and be emotionally available for your child.
- Be sure to get enough food, rest and exercise. Taking a break or going
for a walk will help both you and your child.
- Talk to someone you trust about feelings, worries and fears associated
with your child's hospitalization. Very often simply expressing these feelings
can have a positive effect on your well-being and ability to cope.
- Ask for help from friends and family members.
What can friends and family members do to help:
- Stay with your child while you take a break
- Keep you company in the hospital
- Call other friends and family members with updates on your child's condition
- Take care of your other children
- Cook meals for you and your family and deliver them to the hospital or at home
- Do household chores such as cleaning and laundry
- Pick up your mail
- Water plants
- Keep an eye on your house
- Call your employer or the child's school
An illness and/or hospitalization may also affect the brothers and sisters of a hospitalized
child. Siblings may feel confused, jealous, scared, worried or even embarrassed. Be honest
and explain to them what is happening. Prepare them for what they will see, hear, smell and feel.
(What will the room look like? Will there be tubes and machines attached to their brother or sister?
Will the hospitalized child be or look different than before?) If possible ensure that you spend
special time with them when possible. Bring them to the hospital to visit and play with their sibling.
Make sure these visits are short. A healthy child can get bored and impatient in the hospital.
Encourage contact between ill and healthy siblings through drawings, photos, notes, tapes and phone calls.
Try to continue normal daily routines at home for the healthy child. Avoid giving too much responsibility
to the healthy child as he may begin to resent his ill sibling.