Impact on The Child and Family

Impact  on the Child

There  is a direct impact of a chronic illness that affects the child by altering the developmental potential.This varies with the illness and the limitations that result as well as the severity and duration.There are indirect effects that result form these changes and that affect the social and psychological behavior of the child.If the illness does not have potential for cure, the goal of therapy are to minimize the effect so that the child can function as near to normal as possible.

                Illness that produce physical changes that are visible toothers tend to produce more difficulties than illnesses that cannot be recognized.Therapy for an individual child must take into consideration the treatment of the condition as well as the indirect effect which may not be so obvious.

                Disability can be measured in term of time away from school or confined to bed.On average, a child loses 5.3 days per year because of illness (acute and chronic).

                There is increased morbidity in children who do not have access to medical care.This includes the homeless, children living in poverty, children with chronic illness and and foreign-born children.

Impact on the Family

It is usual for a child’s chronic condition to impsct the rest of the family.After the diagnosis of chronic illness there is a period of adjustment.There is an intense emotional period that result from learning that there is a chronic illness.The extent varies with the condition and its expression.The adaptation over time may lessen or worsen the situation.Parents who have children with special needs have more stress than those who do not encounter such problems.

                There are several emotional stages that family members may experience.Not everyone goes through all the stages and it is sometimes difficult to progress to the next stage.The typical emotional reactions are shock, anger, resentment, guilt, denial, and sadness.If family members progress to the positive stages, then acceptance and a resolution to make the best of the situation results.”Emotional baggage” of the earlier  reactions may persist and get in the way of the healing.

                The additional burden of a child with a chronic illness can have either a positive or a negative impact.The positive impact can be the ability to look after a child who needs help and to provide that help.The negative relates to the inability to provide for the emotional,physical, or financial needs of the child.

                Divorce continues to be very common in the United States, although the rate peaked in 1979.Almost one-half of divorces affect children and about 1 million chldren each year are involved.Divorce has a major effect on children.Although chronic illness of the child does not seem to be a major factor on the decision to divorce, it certainly will impact the child.

                The numbers of dual-earning parent families also has increased recently.The role of working mothers will become more difficult if the demands of care of a chronically ill child require their presence at home.

                Single-parent status result from divorce, separation, or death.There may be birth or adoption of a child by a single person.The number of children who are being raised in single-parent households is increasing yearly.Children acquire stepparent if the parent remarries.Thr involvement with the stepparent varies wiyh the custody issues so that if the parent who is rearing the child remarries the stepparent will acquire the role of parenting.

                The financial impact of a child with chronic illness can be considerable and increases the stress on the family.Expenses for direct health care, home care, special diets, counseling, and equipment may only be partly covered by insurance.The extras, which include transportation, utilities and loss of time from work, will not be reimbursed.There may be health care “caps” on insurance that limit the amount of reimbursable services.