Long term illness

UK Helpline: 0 345 123 23 0 4 | tcf.org.uk longer qualify to join in social events and outings. We may also fear that other parents will find it difficult to be in our company, knowing that they may be facing a similar outcome at some point. Many hospices continue to be involved with families through the early weeks and months of bereavement, recognising how big a part they have played in the life of the family during the illness. Inevitably, though, beds are filled with other sick children. We may soon find that this is no longer a place for us. The end result is that we may soon feel adrift and alone, cut off from our usual support networks. In addition, as the initial stream of visitors ends, our feelings of loss and isolation can be increased. We should not be afraid to ask for help from family and friends at these times. The Compassionate Friends (TCF) can also be a great source of support via the telephone helpline. Chatting with other bereaved parents on the online forum, in a support group – in person or online – or on Facebook pages can be comforting. We are not alone in what we are facing. Coping with our changed circumstances If our child died at home, their room, our living room, maybe the whole house, will have been transformed into a hospital-like space. Even when specialist equipment has been returned, this house will forever be the place where they suffered and spent their final weeks, days or moments. We may feel unable to continue living there. We may equally feel that we will never be able to leave. We may worry about our child’s possessions and what to do with them. We might feel unable to change their room in any way, finding it a sanctuary in which to express our own grief. We might create a smaller special area in our home in which to place treasured