It’s hard to leave the bedside when your loved one is so ill in the ICU. You can help them best by taking care of yourself.
Take breaks
You’ll be better able to help your loved one if you take breaks. It’s OK to:
- Go for a walk in the hospital.
- Get some fresh air outside.
- Get food or drinks from the cafeteria or vending machine.
Your loved one will continue to be watched closely and cared for even if you’re not there.
Most waiting rooms are small and there are usually several families who use them at the same time. If you have others who want to support your loved one, you may want to take turns staying at the hospital. You can call the unit any time or speak to your loved one’s designated spokesperson to updates.
Eat
You may not feel like eating. Stress can lower your appetite, but take time to eat regularly and drink enough fluids to keep yourself healthy.
Rest
You may want to be at your loved one’s bedside 24 hours a day. But you need to give yourself time to rest. This will give your loved one time to rest also. It’s better for you and your loved one if you both get as much sleep as you can at night. The staff will contact you immediately if there’s any change in your loved one’s condition while you’re away.
Get mental health support
The stress of having a loved one in the ICU can cause you have many feelings. You may feel scared, guilty, worried, or depressed while your loved one is in the ICU and after they leave.
If you’re concerned about your mental health or you need more support, talk to your family doctor. They may be able to help you find a counsellor.
To learn more about taking care of yourself when you are a caregiver, go to:
