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Main Content
Intensive Care: A Guide for You and Your Family
In the ICU – Information for family and friends
The ICU
What to expect
Treatments
Behaviour
What you can do
Looking after yourself
Dealing with relationships
When it’s your partner in the ICU
Helping your child
When your loved one leaves the ICU
If your loved one doesn’t survive
In the ICU – Information for patients
Your time in the ICU
Your healthcare team
Leaving the ICU
Going home
When you get home
Follow-up care
Your relationships
How you may feel
Your body
Making sense of your stay in the ICU
References and resources
If your partner is very ill, you may suddenly feel very alone. It’s OK to accept offers of help from friends and family. You’ll have less time to do things like shopping, paying bills, and may need help with child or pet care.
A social worker at the hospital may be able to help you:
Most people usually turn to their partner when they have worries and stress. When your partner is ill you’ll need to find someone else to talk to. Talk to another family member or a close friend. If you don’t feel like you can, you can talk to the ICU staff. A spiritual care team member can be called to come to sit and talk with you, discuss your ongoing concerns, and provide support.
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