What my parents need to know?
For all these years you have been responsible for your child; taking them to hospital appointments, seeing them through their treatment and making decisions in every aspect of their lives. As they grow into adulthood it is time for you (however hard it may be!) to let go!!!
Here’s some tips
- Help them to understand what is wrong with their heart. If you don’t know it well enough to explain it to them contact their cardiac nurse. She will be able to explain things very simply so that they are able to understand.
- Encourage them to start remembering to take their own medicines
- Tell them what their medicines are for – if you don’t know enlist the help of their cardiac nurse.
- Encourage them to go in to see the doctor on their own. This may be just for a minute or two to begin with and then they can ask for you to come in. Gradually extend the length of time. You can always be kept in touch with what is being said as long as your child agrees to this.
- The idea is not to exclude you but to help them develop their own independence and confidence. The vast majority of young people continue to want their parents to be involved in decisions and for them to be kept up to date even after they have moved their care to adult services!
- Encourage them to get a health passport from www.guch.org.uk or ask your heart nurse for one.
- Consider asking your nurse for a “hand held record” which is on the same principle as a health passport but much more detailed.
If you need more help, support or information:-
If your child is at High School and is cared for at Alder Hey Children's Hospital - click here to contact either Amanda, Gill or Mary.
If your child is at High School and and is cared for at Manchester Children's Hospital - click here to contact Claire or Kim.
If your child has moved their care to Adult Services click here to contact Linda, Jane or Mark
