For patients
Life may not be the same when you go home after the ICU. This is common. You may have memories that seem very real but aren't. It can be scary and stressful for you, your family, and friends.
It's important to get help if:
- You're worried about your physical or mental recovery.
- You have trouble sleeping, bad dreams, weakness, depression, or other problems.
- A loved one says they notice changes in your behaviour, thinking, or how you're able to do day-to-day activities.
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You just don't feel like yourself after getting back home.
- You start to have money problems if you can't go back to work or have to pay for healthcare to help you recover.
If you are worried about your recovery, or your loved one says they are worried about you, talk to a healthcare provider right away.
Be sure to tell all your healthcare providers what happened during your hospital stay. Some of your healthcare providers will not know you experienced ICU delirium, because it may not be in your medical records.
For family and friends
After a loved one was in the ICU, you want to keep them safe and make sure they have a full recovery.
Research shows that family members are also affected when a loved one has delirium in the ICU.
The changes that happen in the brain with delirium can be hard to understand. They can make your loved one look or act differently. This can be stressful for everyone.
When you are at the hospital, you can ask to talk to a social worker or care provider that helps families (called a family liaison). These health professionals can offer support and give you information about resources in your community.
Remember that it's important for you to take care of yourself as well as your loved one. To learn more, see:
