Taking Care of Yourself

It is normal to experience a feeling of helplessness or to feel a loss of control when a loved one is in the Critical Care Center.  We know that it is difficult to "wait without action."  But in order to be strong, you must take care of yourself first.

Proper food and sleep will help your ability to listen and understand the significant information you will be given.

Rest is as important for the family as well as for the patient.  Adequate sleep will enhance your ability to deal with the many stresses of having a family member in Critical Care.  Lack of sleep and proper nourishment can make you more prone to illness.

We understand leaving a loved one at night in Critical Care can be stressful.  Please remember, the patient is being closely monitored by the Critical Care team.  We will notify the family contact/spokesperson of any significant condition changes, day or night.  Phone numbers may be written on the dry erase boards found in each patient's room and updated as needed by the family.  Beepers will be provided if no phone is available.

Make sure that all the family is aware who the contact person is and that they will contact relatives and friends who need to be reached.  We know how important this information is to everyone and using the spokesperson eliminates frequent calls into the critical care area which pulls the nurse away from caring for your loved one.

Accept help from family, friends and neighbors.

When someone asks what they can do to help, do not be afraid to tell them.

A few suggestions are:

• Pick up your mail, newspaper
• Carpool, childcare
• Preparing meals
• Feeding and walking pets
• Cleaning
• Mowing the lawn
• Making phone calls
• Running errands

If phone calls for you become a problem, you can leave a message on your answering machine.  You can leave a condition update or information you would like your friends to know about the patient.  As part of the message, it might be a good idea to tell everyone that you probably will not call them back.