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Families' page

Having a loved one in Intensive Care can be an incredibly stressful and upsetting time for families and friends.It can be difficult to think straight when you feel like your whole life has been turned upside down, often without warning. In this section, we've provided some very general information and advice on things like what to expect when visiting the Intensive Care Unit (for the first time), how to make sure you and your family are kept up to date and how to look after yourself. We've also provided some information and advice on practical issues such as taking time off work and money and legal issues.

Sadly, some patients don't survive their illness.We have also provided what we hope is some useful information and advice on some of the things you need to do if you lose a loved one.We have also provided to some links to organisations who can provide you with emotional support.We are very sorry for your loss.

 

 

 

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Article: Money issues

What if I can't pay the bills? It can be stressful enough, worrying about a family member in Intensive Care, without the added stress of worrying about money and how you're going to pay the bills. This is especially true if your loved usually dealt with money issues, if either of you are self employed or you need to take a lot of time off work in order to visit him or her or to look after children. Can I get access to his or her bank account? You may need access to...

Document: My epic journey: a poem by a former patient

This is a touching, insightful and inspiring poem written by Rose about her time in Intensive Care and beyond.She has very kindly given permission for us to include it here. My epic journey; a poem by Rose Fraser Edinburgh Time stood still 27 March 2013 At the Royal Infirmary Another world was dark Not knowing was sad Voices, voices repeated Time will test your desire How much do you want to live? Noises, echoes, echoes Ice-cream, Ice-cream Chocolate,...

Article: Spiritual care

Members of the Spiritual Care Team are normally available during normal office hours and can be contacted for urgent and out of hours support through an on-call system. They offer confidential, non-judgemental support to patients and families, whatever their beliefs or life situations. If you wouild like to be visited by someone from your own faith or belief group, please let the staff know.      

External Video: Spiritual support in Intensive Care

In this video,Iain Telfer draws on his many years' experience as a Chaplain in Intensive Care. He talks about the benefits of having someone to share your innermost worries about, regardless of faith or religion. He also talks about his role, when needed, as a "go between" with the doctors and nurses and with individuals from other faiths or religions. Chaplaincy can continue to offer spriritual support once the patient has been transferrd to the general ward.

External Video: Spiritual support: when someone dies

In this video, Iain Telfer draws upon his many years' experience as a Chaplain in Intensive Care. He talks about the range of emotions people can go through when a loved one is dying or has died in Intensive Care and the type of support that can be offered, regardless of faith or religion.

Web Link: Support and benefits for carers

This link will take you to the NHS page on support for carers. You'll find trustworthy information on carers' rights, carers' assessments, benefits for carers, breaks and respite care, and support for young carers.

Web Link: Support for carers when someone is dying or has died

Sadly, not everyone survives a stay in the Intensive Care Unit. This link will take you to the website of good life,good death and good grief. They are a group that brings together people and organisations that are interested in improving people’s experiences of death, dying and bereavement in Scotland. This link will take you directly to their pages on support for carers, although you may find other pages useful.We are very sorry for your loss.  

Article: Things you can do to help

You might sometimes feel quite helpless when visiting your loved one in Intensive Care, but there's a lot you can do to help him or her. Research tells us that patients will often (but not always) remember your visits, and that family and friends are a real lifeline when trying to make sense of a very strange environment. Speak to him or her: Even when patients are deeply sedated or unconscious, they may well be able to hear and be comforted by a familiar voice. You might not know what...

Article: Visiting the ICU

When can I visit? Different Units have different arrangements about visiting times.Ask the staff about any restrictions. They can usually be flexible,especially if your family member has just been admitted, is extremely well or is dying. Who can visit? Again,different Units have different rules about who can visit, although this is usually restricted to close family and friends. Different Units may have different rules about how many visitors the patient can have,whether...

Web Link: Visiting the Intensive Care Unit

This link will take you to the Healthtalkonline website and their page on the emotional impact of having a family member or friend in Intensive Care.You can watch short video clips or hear voice recordings of other people talking about their experiences.We hope you find it helpful to hear that you're not alone in what you're going through.