Die sterwende kind in hospitaalvernand

• Main Author: Fredrika de Villiers
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: AOSIS 1981-09-01
• Series: Curationis
• Online Access: https://curationis.org.za/index.php/curationis/article/view/494

Illness and death of a child is a crisis situation in the family, affecting all members. Parents experience certain universal problems such as denial, feelings of guilt and withdrawal. The dying child is usually aware of his situation and experiences fear and loneliness. He has diverse physical and psychological needs as a result of his illness which must be met by parents and nurses. In caring for the terminally ill child attention must be given to providing: a physical environment conducive to well-being; a consistent emotional climate; communication which should include therapeutic play; a therapeutic program in which various measures are taken to enhance acceptability; physical care where the child is encouraged to help himself as far as possible; psycological and spiritual care to allay his fears and anxiety.