Who Can Visit a Loved One in the ICU?

Visiting loved ones in the ICU can be a difficult and emotional experience, but it’s valuable for patients to have support from family and friends. Just be mindful of the loved one’s energy and tiredness levels and adjust your visits accordingly. Before scheduling a visit, it is important to know the particular ICU’s rules, as they are in place to ensure that the patient’s stay is safe and comfortable.

In general, only two visitors are allowed per ICU visit, though the number of visitors per day varies depending on the hospital. Sometimes the visitors will be limited to immediate family members and significant others, and often children under 12 or even 16 years of age are not allowed, though exceptions may be made for family. There are often more limited visiting hours than other units, sometimes with limits on how long each visit can be. 

Preparing to visit the ICU

Visitors to the ICU should not be sick or have any symptoms associated with an illness or infection, such as a cold, the flu, or gastrointestinal issues. Many ICUs require visitors to wear masks at all times while in the unit, some require gowns and gloves, and all follow strict hand hygiene protocols. To ensure that ICU patients receive the best care possible, visitors should not stay too long and allow room for medical staff to do their work. To this end, large gifts like balloons or flowers are often barred. It’s also helpful to check with a nurse about bringing in and/or using cell phones and electronics before entering the patient’s room. The same is true when it comes to bringing or sharing food or beverages, even water. 

Bringing small gifts or cards, and, for immediate family members, their medical history and any advance directives, is often welcome.

As hours and protocols vary, ICU visitors should contact the hospital ahead of time to confirm times and any other rules. With some small adjustments, visitors can be a source of comfort and support for their loved ones while they stay in the ICU.

Sources

“Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Guidelines”. UMass Memorial Health. https://myhealth.umassmemorial.org/RelatedItems/3,83280 

“Visiting Guidelines”. Allina Health. https://www.allinahealth.org/mercy-hospital/services/intensive-care-unit/visiting-guidelines 

“The Intensive Care Unit (ICU) Visitors’ Guide”. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. https://www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/intensive-care-unit-icu-visitors-guide