Internal Medicine

Guide for Families: What Happens in the ICU and How to Support the Patient

Everything families need to know about the Intensive Care Unit and how to support their loved one

Sometimes the hardest part is not only the medical situation, but not knowing what is happening, what the equipment means, or how to help. In this guide, we want to explain—clearly and humanely—what happens in the ICU and how you can better support the patient… without neglecting yourself.

1) What is the ICU and why are patients admitted?

The ICU (Intensive Care Unit) is a hospital area designed to care for patients who require:

Continuous monitoring of vital signs
Respiratory support or advanced monitoring
Immediate treatment for unexpected changes
Specialized care 24 hours a day

Being in the ICU does not always mean “the worst.” Many times, it means the patient is in the safest place to stabilize and recover.

2) Why are there so many machines, wires, and alarms?

It is completely normal to feel overwhelmed when entering the ICU and seeing monitors, medication pumps, and hearing alarming sounds.

In most cases, these devices are used to:

Measure blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen levels
Administer medications with precision
Assist with breathing if necessary
Alert the medical team to any changes

Important: An alarm does not always mean an emergency. Often, it simply indicates adjustments or routine measurements.

3) Why are visits limited?

ICU visits are often brief or scheduled for safety reasons:

The patient needs rest to recover
The risk of infections is reduced
The medical team can work efficiently
A calm and controlled environment is maintained

Although it can be difficult, respecting these limits is also a way of helping.

4) How to support the patient during visits

We often think we need to “say the perfect thing,” but the most important thing is to convey calm and reassurance.

You can help with simple actions such as:

Speaking in a calm, gentle voice
Telling them who you are and that you are there
Giving short messages (“you are not alone,” “you are in good hands”)
Avoiding tense or emotional conversations near the patient
Holding their hand if the medical team allows it

Even if it seems small, emotional presence can be very valuable.

5) How to support without being present all the time

Supporting does not mean exhausting yourself.

You are also helping when you:

Organize family visiting schedules
Keep a list of medications or medical history
Maintain clear communication with the medical team
Help with paperwork or logistics
Take care of the emotional environment outside the ICU

6) What is normal to feel as a family member

No one is ever truly “prepared” for this. It is normal to feel:

Anxiety
Guilt (“What if I had…?”)
Fear
Physical exhaustion
Difficulty sleeping

You are not overreacting. You are going through a difficult moment.

7) How to take care of yourself (so you can care better)

This is essential: your body and mind also need support.

Simple recommendations:

Eat, even if it’s something light
Drink water
Sleep whenever you can
Lean on another person
Avoid searching for too much information without context (it can increase anxiety)
Ask the medical staff any questions you may have

Taking care of yourself is not selfish. It is part of the process.

8) Signs it’s time to ask for help or clarification from the medical team

It is always appropriate to ask if:

You notice significant changes in the patient’s condition
You do not understand a procedure
You have questions about visiting hours or post-ICU care
You need emotional guidance as a family

Clear information also brings peace of mind.

Supporting a loved one in the ICU is an intense experience, but you do not have to go through it alone.

At BlueNet Hospitals, we believe that care also includes the family: clear information, compassionate treatment, and ongoing support.
If you need more information about Intensive Care services at BlueNet Hospitals, contact us at: 📧 info@bluenethospitals.com