Focus Topics

topic 3 | Activity 12: Emily’s progression

Emily is now 12 and her health has continued to decline over the past 18 months. Emily’s extended family, friends and school community have continued to be supportive.

  1. List the information and education you would provide to Emily’s school teacher prior to Emily visiting the school.
  2. As Emily’s illness progresses, her younger sibling, who is eight-years-old, asks you directly if Emily is going to die. As the health professional involved in Emily’s care, how could you respond to this question?
  3. Discuss strategies that could be implemented before and after Emily’s death to help Emily’s siblings deal with their loss.
  4. Emily’s mother spoke openly when Emily asked about her grandmother looking down from her star. In what further ways might Emily’s spiritual needs be supported?