Your Role in the Well-being of the Patient

Is the patient aware of what is happening?

It is sometimes difficult to know for sure if patients are aware of what’s going on around them, especially if they are not awake. However, it is important to treat all patients as if they can hear. Family members are encouraged to talk to their loved ones to provide a familiar voice and added comfort for the patient.

How can I connect with and care for my loved one in the ICU?

Communicating with your loved one in the ICU can be difficult. Speech and language problems are often caused by strokes or other neurological conditions. Also, patients may not be able to use their voice to communicate if they are on a breathing machine.