Sickness and death

Dealing with the death of a family member is an incredibly difficult time. Friends and family, and community organisations can offer you emotional and practical support to help you while you are grieving.

The Skylight Trust helps children to deal with grief and trauma. Their website has links to disability and health support and bereavement support websites.

Hospice New Zealand cares for people with incurable illness and conditions. Their website has some thoughts on questions you might want to ask your ill family member to help you understand their needs. If you haven’t already, you may need to talk about making a Will and their wishes for funeral arrangements.

This brochure from Christchurch District Health Board has advice for those who are dealing with a loved one dying:

And the American Family Caregivers Alliance offers advice for discussing end-of-life care options.

When a loved one is dying, we often begin to grieve before they die. This article explores the stages of grief and how to care for yourself and others when grieving. For thoughts about caring for someone who is dying, see the Alternative Health website.

The Raising Children website suggests ways to help your children deal with a family member’s illness or death.

The Citizen’s Advice Bureau has information for dealing with death, including legal requirements.

Work and Income may be able to offer financial assistance if you have lost a child.