What you can do to support your loved one

We are often asked by friends and families ‘What can I do to help?’

You may find some of the ideas below helpful ways to be involved in the patient’s care and recovery, but you are under no pressure to do any of these. Please talk to a member of staff if you would like any guidance.

Motivation boards

For patients who have been with us for some time, we often find it is helpful to work with families to create a board for them to look at. The board might include simple reorientation information, such as the date, time and place, or photos of family or pets.

It could record the patient’s likes and dislikes, hobbies, favourite songs, TV shows or any topics the patient is interested in.

Hospital diary

For many patients, their memories of ICU can be confused and incomplete. It can be really useful to keep a diary for them to look through when they have left ICU and are feeling better. The diary might include changes or progress in their care and treatment, and news about what has been happening at home.

Understanding what we do in ICU

Our ‘about ICU’ videos will tell you more about the team, the work we do and how we support patient’s through their illness.