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The chair beside the bed

Illustrated Story B12, with a text transcript.

Read story B12: The chair beside the bed (image and text)
Six-panel illustrated story, The chair beside the bed. Sarah has spent hours beside her husband Mark, a middle-aged white man with delirium in intensive care. She worries about leaving. The nurse explains that care will continue and they will keep her informed. Mark’s brother offers to visit later. Sarah leaves to rest while the nurse stays with Mark. Footer: Delirium care continues when you need a break.

Being beside someone with delirium can be exhausting, especially during a long intensive care stay. You may feel guilty about leaving, even to eat or sleep.

Ask the team how they will keep you informed and how you can manage visits. Other relatives may be able to share visits, but not every family has that option. Taking a break does not mean you have stopped caring. Your relative’s care remains the team’s responsibility.

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Story text

  1. Panel 1. Another long visit in intensive care.

  2. Panel 2.

    • Nurse: Have you had anything to eat?

  3. Panel 3.

    • Sarah: I’m afraid to leave him while he’s like this.

  4. Panel 4.

    • Nurse: We’ll keep caring for him and let you know about changes.

  5. Panel 5.

    • David: I can visit later. Go and rest.

  6. Panel 6. Sarah takes a break. His care continues.

Bottom band. Delirium care continues when you need a break.

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