Sibling support
Having a sick brother or sister can put a lot of pressure on siblings, as their parents are not always able to be there for them in the same way as they used to. Brothers and sisters often find that different people are picking them up from school and giving them their meals or that they have to stay with friends and relatives.
Read a case study about sibling support
They may also have to spend long periods of time in hospital which can become very boring. They can also worry about their parents who are always engaged in adult conversations and can often be tearful and worried. All of this can have a great impact on siblings who are also worrying about their sick brother or sister.
Rainbow Trust takes pride in focusing a lot of their attention on brothers and sisters during this difficult time. We try to make the situation easier for them in a number of ways including:
- Spending time with a Family Support Worker who understands what they are experiencing and talking through things that are worrying them
- Going out with a Family Support Worker and having some fun
- Having a familiar person to collect them from school when their parents are at hospital
- Being able to stay at home with a Family Support Worker when their brother or sister and parents are at hospital appointments
