You may find it very upsetting the first time you visit your family member in the CCTC. He or she may be connected to a number of different pieces of equipment that are either used to monitor or support body functions.
Your family member may be connected to a breathing machine (ventilator) and unable to speak to you. He or she may be unconscious or asleep
from medications used to promote comfort. Your family member's face and body may appear swollen and his or her skin may feel very hot or very cold. The experience can be very frightening.
It is not unusual to feel overwhelmed when you first visit. Take your time and move at your own pace. Let your family member's nurse know how you are feeling. The nurse can explain the equipment and help you to understand what you are seeing. The nurse can show you how to visit and comfort your family member.
One way to feel more at ease is to understand why the different equipment is used and why you might hear an alarm activated. Doctors, nurses, respiratory therapist and other health professionals will update you on your family members condition and treatment plans. The pictures on this page show some of the equipment that you may see at the bedside.
Most family members become more relaxed after they have visited a few times. Please let us know how we can help you.
