Learning About the Family's Role in the ICU

What is the ICU?

An intensive care unit (ICU) is a part of the hospital where very sick people get care. It could be a special unit for people with heart, breathing, or other serious medical problems. Or it could be a place to recover after surgery.

It may be scary to see relatives or loved ones in the ICU. There is a lot of medical equipment used in the ICU. And a lot of treatments or procedures may be done. All of it may be hard to understand at first.

But remember: You are an important part of the care team along with doctors, nurses, and specialists. The ICU staff can help you understand the care that your loved one is getting. They can help you learn about the technology, medical words, rules, procedures, and visiting times in the ICU.

How can you help in the ICU?

The staff will help you learn what you can do to care for your loved one.

• Spending time with your loved one in the ICU can improve their stay in the hospital.
• You may not be able to have a full conversation, but you can talk to your loved one while they are in the ICU. You can be near them and may be able to gently hold their hand.
• You may be able to bring special items like flowers, photos, or cards to the ICU.
• If you are there when staff change shifts and when doctors visit, you can get to know the whole care team. You can make sure that you have a voice in ongoing care. You can advocate for your loved one.
• You may have a very important role as the health care agent for a person who is unable to make medical decisions. Some of the decisions you may need to make include what types of treatments or surgeries to pursue and how to plan for the end of life. The ICU staff will help provide support and as much information as they can to help you make these decisions.
• You can also help share information with extended family and friends. It will help the ICU staff if just a few people close to the patient serve as contacts. There are websites that family and caregivers can use to keep friends and family up-to-date on your loved one's condition.

What can you expect in the ICU?

• The ICU staff is highly trained to care for very sick people. They will do everything they can to help you understand what care your loved one is getting.
• The staff are experts at keeping your loved one as comfortable as possible. Medicine that keeps the person relaxed and pain-free will help.
• The equipment that is used in the ICU may look scary. Machines may make noises and flash. But all the equipment is helping the medical staff take care of your loved one. Your loved one may be getting oxygen, fluids, or medicine. And their vital signs are being watched and recorded.
• A ventilator may be needed to help your loved one breathe. Ventilators can be uncomfortable and make it hard for your loved one to communicate.
• You are an important part of the care team to support your loved one. If you are worried and have concerns, ask for support from friends and family. You can also ask the hospital staff about counseling and support.

What kinds of questions can you ask?

You can ask the ICU staff any questions that you have. For example, you might ask:

• Which doctors and specialists are helping us?
• What kind of treatment is being done?
• How will we know if it's working?
• Do you know how to get in touch with me in an emergency?
• When can we visit? Is there anything we should know about visiting our loved one?
• What can family and friends do to help while my loved one is in the ICU?