Family Issues:  How can a support group deal with the problems experienced by mothers, siblings, adolescents and grandparents?

Some practical guidelines

·         Create the environment

·         Make the clinic /outpatient department user friendly

·         Reassure families that they are in the best possible centre/unit

·         Reach out – introduce families to other families in the unit

·         Seek out what the family preferences and psychosocial needs are

·         Create a Kitchen with cooking facilities and microwave

·         Create a laundry with Ironing  (Washing machine / tumble drier)

·         See that there are rooming in facilities for parents/caregivers

·        Have Information available with useful names and telephone numbers

·         Give guidelines as to where to park car/ catch a bus/or other forms of transport  

·         Have a map on how to find your way around the hospital – where the blood bank/platelet unit or laboratory /canteen is

·         Give guidance on where the Pastoral councillors Office / Social worker Office is

·         Set up a library of information on diseases and treatment forms/patient resource centre

·         Co-ordinate meetings – to introduce other parents

·         Have speakers on various topics

·         Run Workshops on different aspects of care/need

·         Transport – query if there is a need for financial support

·         Compliance – stressing the importance for follow up visits.

Notes by: Sadie Cutland  (South Africa)