Practical planning guide

Talk about support with family and siblings

Make space for practical needs and different feelings within a family affected by illness or disability.

Practical next steps

Ask each person what is difficult at the moment and what kind of help they would welcome.
Agree what information about the illness can be shared, with whom and who will explain changes.
For conversations with children, ask the treating team or a qualified family-support professional for help finding appropriate explanations.
Include siblings’ needs and ordinary activities in the family plan rather than assuming everyone wants the same support.
Ask Sapport about current family or sibling groups, and Karl Vella Foundation about relevant family support.
Make practical requests specific: a lift, shopping, company at an appointment or a regular break.
Review the arrangement when needs change, and seek professional help if the family wants support with difficult conversations.

Provider: Rare & Serious Illness Support Malta
Eligibility: A preparation guide for patients and families; it does not determine diagnosis, entitlement or a medical plan.
Application: Use the questions that fit your situation and agree next steps with the relevant professional.
Documents: Keep only the information needed for your enquiry. Use secure provider channels for private documents.
Cost: Confirm any charges or funding with the provider before making arrangements.
Referral: Service-specific referral requirements apply.
Funding: No payment, place or service allocation is promised by this guide.
Contact: Use the linked canonical records for official provider contacts.
Verified: 2026-10-29
Review: 2027-01-29
Notes: Original editorial planning prompts, informed by the linked sources. These questions do not establish a new Maltese service or replace individual professional advice.