We're writing today to those experiencing icu patient legacy planning—a situation that brings immediate urgency to questions of legacy, final communications, and ensuring loved ones receive essential information. ICU patients face critical medical conditions with uncertain outcomes, often experiencing moments of clarity between periods of sedation or medical treatment. There is profound urgency to communicate essential information and final thoughts during windows of consciousness and ability to communicate.

You may be facing limited windows of alertness and energy to create meaningful messages This concern is both practical and deeply emotional, requiring careful attention to both the logistics of legacy planning and the human need for connection and closure.

You may be facing medical equipment and sedation making communication physically difficult This concern is both practical and deeply emotional, requiring careful attention to both the logistics of legacy planning and the human need for connection and closure.

You may be facing fear that each conscious moment might be the last opportunity to communicate This concern is both practical and deeply emotional, requiring careful attention to both the logistics of legacy planning and the human need for connection and closure.

Use periods of wakefulness and clarity to create messages in brief 5-10 minute sessions. Your medical team can help identify optimal times when you're most alert. Save progress frequently so nothing is lost if you need to rest. Work in Short Sessions During Alert Periods provides a framework for this critical work. Your family will benefit immensely from having clear guidance during what will be an overwhelming time.

Recording voice messages requires less physical effort than typing and preserves your voice for loved ones. Even voice messages recorded from an ICU bed become treasured memories. Most smartphones have simple voice recording apps that are easy to use. Prioritize Voice Over Text provides a framework for this critical work. Your family will benefit immensely from having clear guidance during what will be an overwhelming time.

Request that a trusted family member, friend, or hospital chaplain help you type or record your thoughts if you're too weak to do it yourself. Many people feel honored to assist with this meaningful task. Ask for Help from Visitors provides a framework for this critical work. Your family will benefit immensely from having clear guidance during what will be an overwhelming time.

Begin with messages of love and appreciation for your closest family members. Practical information about accounts and wishes can come later. What your loved ones will treasure most are expressions of your feelings and specific memories you share. Focus on Emotional Connections First provides a framework for this critical work. Your family will benefit immensely from having clear guidance during what will be an overwhelming time.

Let your ICU nurse or social worker know you're creating final messages. They can help coordinate with family members, ensure you have privacy during alert periods, and assist with logistics if your condition changes suddenly. Inform ICU Staff About Your Plan provides a framework for this critical work. Your family will benefit immensely from having clear guidance during what will be an overwhelming time.

Consider the specific challenges of your situation when creating messages. Your loved ones need to understand not just what you're asking them to do, but why it matters and how to accomplish it. Clear, detailed information reduces stress and confusion during crisis moments when clarity is most needed.