Having a family member in the intensive care unit is a very stressful and demanding situation for the whole family. The aim of this study is to explore how family members are affected by critical illness and how they deal with this situation. A literature review with focus on qualitative studies was carried out to get a deeper insight and understanding of families who have a relative in intensive care unit. 15 qualitative studies have been analysed. For family members the situation is characterised by uncertainty, overwhelming feelings, as well additional responsibilities, and diverging family roles. Family members always put their ill relative in first place, and they do not articulate needs for themselves. They cope with this burdening situation by trying to be near to their relative, with or without being integrated into care. They search for honest information, get social support from significant others, and try to keep realistic hope all the time. The article also shows boundaries in this field of research, and discusses transferability and limitations of the findings.