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Family relationships challenged when a disability arises
Family relationships challenged when a disability arises
28 February 2008 When a child in the family has a disability, they naturally get more attention from parents. Managing the relationships with other children can be a challenge. Parents of children with a disability are invited to an information session on Tuesday 18 March, organised by Glen Innes Community Health and the Department of Ageing, Disability and Homecare, as an opportunity for parents to share their challenges and successes with other parents. Social Worker from Glen Innes Community Health Louise Morley said the information session would focus on ways to support children when a brother or sister has a disability or chronic illness. Louise said having a brother or sister with a disability or chronic illness can cause considerable stress. "The usual family dynamics change, as the whole family struggles to come to terms with what has happened," Louise said. "Imagine being a five year old and your brother or sister is diagnosed with a chronic illness. All of a sudden the family is thrown into turmoil with the situation and you are left wondering ‘what about me?’. "Because this is such unfamiliar territory for the whole family, many siblings in this situation feel unable to express their fears, hopes or feelings," Louise said. Louise said there is quite a lot of literature on the needs of siblings in such circumstances and some of the literature will be presented at the session prior to facilitated discussion of the issues. "The presentation is based on the work of Kate Strom and Monique Nesa, from Siblings Australia who have developed a program specifically for siblings. "We are very grateful to Garden Court who purchased the program for use by the community," Louise said. Co-facilitator for the morning is Maggie Dent, Community Worker, Department of Aging, Disability and Homecare. Maggie provides case management and support to people with a disability, their families or carers to enable them to improve their quality of life and participation in the community. The information session will be held at The Lecture Room at Glen Innes Hospital on Tuesday 18 March from 10am – 12pm. Morning tea will be provided and child care is available on request. Parents will also be invited to discuss plans for a siblings group, due to be run in April/May. For further information, contact Louise (Ph: 6739 0100) or Maggie (Ph: 6732 4925).
Contact: Kay Cope
Phone: 6776 9817
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