Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
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Family Centered Care
The PICU's six private rooms allow for more than just privacy. They allow the care team to focus on the care of each individual child and their family. Private rooms allow children and families to be closer and more comfortable, but more importantly, they provide proven healing benefits. For example, they lessen over-stimulation from the noise, lights and commotion associated with an open room ward, allowing children to rest more peacefully.
The team of intensive care pediatric experts in the MeritCare PICU work together to provide individualized care for each patient. The team takes great care to also recognize the important role that family plays in each child's health and healing. That's why in our PICU, we encourage family centered care --- mothers, fathers, siblings and other family members are encouraged to be at the bed-side offering that healing touch, words of encouragement and comfort a child will recognize and respond to.
How can I help my child?
Touching and gentle massage will help comfort your child.
Pictures of friends and family can help brighten your child's room and help with recovery.
Music can be a soothing experience for your child. You can also record yourself (reading a favorite book or singing a favorite song) for times when you can't be there.
Rocking or holding your child, or just being close to your child can be soothing and a way to comfort his or her fears.
Singing and playing is important to keep spirits up and help create a positive and fun environment for healing. Singing and playing games with your child will get his or her mind off the illness.
By bringing your child's own toys, you create a home-like atmosphere where he or she can feel at ease.