Hospice sibling policy

Philosophy

Siblings of children with a life limiting condition have specific needs that require attention at different stages of their lives. The focus of attention from parents and professionals is on the ill child. Siblings often feel isolated, unsupported and lacking the basic information to understand the situation they are in. Open and honest communication and the opportunity to share with other young people in similar situations have been shown to improve outcomes for children experiencing bereavement.

Aims of the sibling service

• To provide acknowledgement and support for siblings during a difficult life stage
• To help siblings to understand what is happening and to cope with their feelings about this
• To support parents in providing siblings with honest and accurate information about their brother's or sister's diagnosis and prognosis
• To relieve the isolation experienced by siblings

Services provided by the hospice

• Family support that includes siblings
• One to one support for siblings
• Group work for siblings
• Peer support

Standards

• All hospice staff and trustees to have an awareness of sibling issues
• Designated staff responsible for overseeing sibling support
• Each sibling to have an identified key worker
• Sibling support staff to meet the staff competencies
• Sibling support services to be evaluated

Details of services

• Family Support
• Siblings to be familiar with the hospice surroundings
• Workers to assist the family in keeping the sibling informed about their brother/sister and involved in family decisions
• Siblings to be involved in family visits to and stays at the hospice
• Workers to facilitate discussions about sibling issues between siblings and family members

One to one work

• Pre and post bereavement support
• Referral to other agencies as appropriate (eg counselling services, CAMHS)

Groups

• Siblings to have the opportunity to attend group sessions with other siblings, both pre and post bereavement
• Groups to be structured to meet the aims of the F.R.A.M.E. model: Fun, Relieving isolation, Acknowledging feelings, Modelling coping strategies and Enhancing Knowledge
• Parents to be given information about the purpose of the group and encouraged to follow up at home

Peer support

• Siblings to be provided with opportunities for networking with other siblings