Your voice and presence can be incredibly comforting. Keeping your loved one aware of what’s going on can really help in their healing and post-ICU recovery.
It might seem tricky with all the medical equipment and medications, but don’t worry – we’ve got some tips to help.
Why it Matters
- Reduces anxiety and promotes comfort
- Helps prevent confusion and delirium
- Improves communication and trust
- Supports faster recovery
What to Say
Use the loving prompts in our garden for conversation topics.
Set the Scene
- Gently remind them of the date, where they are, and why
- Repeat as needed – repetition is key!
Share Your Day
- Talk about everyday activities – it’s comforting
- Mention family, pets, or their favorite hobbies
Look Forward
- Discuss next steps, but keep it simple and positive
- It’s okay to be vague – the goal is comfort
Even if they’re non-responsive they can often hear you
Pro Tips
- Use a calm, reassuring voice
- Speak slowly and give them time to respond
- Don’t worry if they seem confused – it’s common and temporary
- Do this multiple times a day
- It’s OK to if you need to repeat yourself often
Handy Tools for Communicating
- Helpful communication tools on Amazon
- Patient Communicator App (find it on App Store or Google Play)
- Printable Communication toolkit
Keep in Mind
The ICU staff are communication experts. They may have additional communication tools or tips to help – don’t be shy to ask for help.
Share everyday chatter, funny stories, or just hold their hand.
Need a private moment? It’s okay to step out for sensitive talks.
Many patients remember hearing loved ones during their ICU stay. Your presence and voice can make a big difference!
Chat away – it’s comforting to hear familiar voices.