Keeping Care on Track

By The Family Room Care Team Last reviewed June 2025

You have done a great job being with your loved one during this scary time.

We encourage you to continue to use everything you’ve learned to be a partner in your loved one’s care journey.

Your Role

Keep notes
  • Continue to stay organized by keeping notes
  • Write down questions and answers
  • Track your loved one’s progress

Guide to Keeping a Care Journal

Stay connected
  • Many of the ICU Communication tips still apply
  • Ask for a main contact on the new unit
  • Join daily rounds if you can
Continue care and compassion
  • Talk with your loved one, reflect on the journey
  • Personalize the new room
  • Set goals and talk about the future
  • Encourage therapy and orders from doctors
Take care of yourself
  • Rest is important!
  • Take breaks
  • Accept help from others

Tips on Taking Care of Yourself

Sharing Information

  • The ICU team will brief the new team
  • They’ll cover your loved one’s history, current condition, and care needs
  • You can ask to be there for part of this handover
TIP

Share the notes from your Care Journal with the new team.

Ongoing Care

Treatments

  • Important treatments will continue
  • Some may change as your loved one improves

Monitoring

  • Less frequent checks than in ICU
  • Fewer machines

Medicines

  • Some may change from IV to pills
TIP

Track changes in your care journal

Therapy

  • Physical, speech, or occupational therapy may start or increase
  • Encourage your loved one to participate

Planning Ahead

  • Ask about upcoming appointments
  • Discuss recovery goals
  • Learn about possible challenges and how to handle them

See Planning for Hospital Discharge

Watch Out For

Tell the care team right away if you see:

  • Sudden changes in alertness
  • New or worse pain
  • Trouble breathing
  • Fever or chills
  • Big changes in eating or drinking

Remember: This transition is a team effort, and you’re an important part of that team. Your insights and questions can help ensure the best care for your loved one.