Parent/carer Wellbeing

It is important to take care of yourself as a parent, so that you are able to care and advocate for your child in the PICU.

There are some things you can do to help yourself to feel as healthy as possible during this time.

Parent/carer self-care tips:

• Trying to get sleep when you can, or swapping with a partner or loved one so that you can alternate going to accommodation to rest and staying at the bedside. You could bring your own pillow from home to try to get the best quality sleep that you can

• Eating healthy and nourishing food

• Going on a walk can significantly improve your mental health and coping

• Talking about how you are feeling and what you are experiencing with a supportive friend or family member from home

• Journaling your feelings and experiences

Click here to see more parent/care self-care tips

It can feel overwhelming to adapt to the PICU environment while also trying to keep up to date on your child’s cares and medical management. Below is a free PDF guidebook which contains information for parents/carers, as well as prompts for questions and space to write down answers to help you record the important information about your child and their healthcare management.

Free Parent/carer PDF PICU guidebook (click here)

There are also support staff available to you in hospital, you can find more information here.