We have heard people dying soon after they have been diagnosed with something that is impossible to cure. There seems to be no positive prognosis and the person is left with very less time to live. Terminal illness is a disease that cannot be cured or adequately treated and that is reasonably expected to result in the death of the patient within a short period of time. This term is more commonly used for progressive diseases such as cancer or advanced heart disease than for trauma. In popular use, it indicates a disease that will soon progress until death with near absolute certainty, regardless of treatment.
A patient who has such an illness may be referred to as a terminal patient, terminally ill or simply terminal. Often, a patient is considered terminally ill when their estimated life expectancy is six months or less, under the assumption that the disease will run its normal course.
Terminal illness can happen to any person, child or an adult. When children are diagnosed with a terminal illness, the main focus is managing symptoms so a child can enjoy a high quality of life for as long as possible. Parents play a crucial role in helping a child continue to live a fulfilling and comfortable life .
It is very important for parents to be open and honest to the child about his illness. This will give the child less anxiety when he is aware as to what is happening and he would know what to expect. A child should be allowed to discuss his or her fears and questions. Knowing how your child views death will help you understand how to respond to these questions. Get info on child counselling click here.
How can you meet the child’s needs?
Although parents often feel powerless caring for a child with terminal disease, you can take steps to help meet your child's psychosocial and physical needs.
• Give your child time to play and engage in other age-appropriate activities, such as watching television, reading, or exploring the outdoors.
• Encourage your child to continue attending school, even if he or she cannot attend full time. If your child must miss school for a long time, ask the teacher to have the class write letters, draw pictures, or make videos.
• Encourage your child to maintain friendships and other meaningful relationships.
• Encourage your child to continue setting goals. Short-term goals, such as learning to read or taking a special trip, help children gain a sense of achievement and give meaning to their lives.
How can the parents find support for themselves?
It is very difficult for the parents to outlive their children. However, caring for a person with a terminal illness can have distressing effects. Following tips may help the parents cope:
• It is important to talk with your partner, family members, or friends about your feelings and fears. It is normal to experience emotions such as anger, guilt, and frustration.
• Spending as much time with the child is very important.
• Can also seek therapy from a psychologist or can enrol for the support groups that are meant for parents of children with terminal illness.
A patient who has such an illness may be referred to as a terminal patient, terminally ill or simply terminal. Often, a patient is considered terminally ill when their estimated life expectancy is six months or less, under the assumption that the disease will run its normal course.
Terminal illness can happen to any person, child or an adult. When children are diagnosed with a terminal illness, the main focus is managing symptoms so a child can enjoy a high quality of life for as long as possible. Parents play a crucial role in helping a child continue to live a fulfilling and comfortable life .
It is very important for parents to be open and honest to the child about his illness. This will give the child less anxiety when he is aware as to what is happening and he would know what to expect. A child should be allowed to discuss his or her fears and questions. Knowing how your child views death will help you understand how to respond to these questions. Get info on child counselling click here.
How can you meet the child’s needs?
Although parents often feel powerless caring for a child with terminal disease, you can take steps to help meet your child's psychosocial and physical needs.
• Give your child time to play and engage in other age-appropriate activities, such as watching television, reading, or exploring the outdoors.
• Encourage your child to continue attending school, even if he or she cannot attend full time. If your child must miss school for a long time, ask the teacher to have the class write letters, draw pictures, or make videos.
• Encourage your child to maintain friendships and other meaningful relationships.
• Encourage your child to continue setting goals. Short-term goals, such as learning to read or taking a special trip, help children gain a sense of achievement and give meaning to their lives.
How can the parents find support for themselves?
It is very difficult for the parents to outlive their children. However, caring for a person with a terminal illness can have distressing effects. Following tips may help the parents cope:
• It is important to talk with your partner, family members, or friends about your feelings and fears. It is normal to experience emotions such as anger, guilt, and frustration.
• Spending as much time with the child is very important.
• Can also seek therapy from a psychologist or can enrol for the support groups that are meant for parents of children with terminal illness.
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