Can my loved one hear me?

It is difficult to say which patients can hear, so we assume that everyone can. This is why the members of the ICU Care Team explain to patients, even when they are unconscious, what they are about to do. Some family members find it comforting to talk to their loved one, but don’t be afraid or embarrassed. No one knows whether a loved one can hear you or not at a particular time, but it can at least help you to retain a connection to them even if they cannot respond to you. Talk to them normally, in a supportive and loving way. Watch the patient’s response. It may indicate how you should proceed in the future. If you are unsure, talk it over with the nurse.

Can I touch my loved one?

Of course. However, make sure you have thoroughly washed your hands and talked to the nurse first. Sometimes, the nurse will want you to wear gloves or a gown to avoid spreading germs. Generally, hold the patient’s hand, or do whatever makes them feel better.

What can I do to help?

It is not unusual to feel useless and helpless when visiting in ICU. Sometimes your relative may be unconscious or heavily sedated. You don’t really have to do anything, but some people find it helps. Talk to your relative’s nurse about what you can do such as reading your relative’s favorite book or newspaper, brushing their hair, playing their favorite music, or bringing in pictures of family and pets.

Keeping a Diary: Some patients who have been in ICU report that they cannot remember anything that happened while they were ill. They have no knowledge of world events or what has happened in their family Sometimes it helps them to put all the pieces together again for themselves to keep a diary. It doesn’t have to be fancy, and the entries don’t have to be profound – just a small book which you can keep at the bedside to jot down things such as “Rainy day today, but the garden is lovely! Sarah and John helped with the weeding”. Or “We drew a picture for you today on the computer. Love, Jacob”

What are those beeps and buzzes?

When you enter ICU, you may feel uncomfortable and overwhelmed by the equipment and noises that you may hear. The machines that are used to assist and treat ICU patients have certain signals that beep and buzz, and although startling to family visitors, they help the ICU Care Team to provide optimal care for patients. The alarms alert the nurse when something needs to be checked. This is not always a cause for concern- sometimes even a slight movement may sound an alarm.
The monitor shows the heart’s activity and other functions. Its television-like screen displays a number of lines and numbers. These often change minute to minute. Alarms are set on these functions as well. The screen you see at the bedside is also seen at the nurses’ station, allowing the nurses to monitor each patient even when they are not directly present at each bedside.

We encourage you to ask your nurse to explain the equipment that you see.