To reduce the risk of postoperative complications among elderly and senile patients, intensive care units can engage patients’ family members in delivering bedside care and assisting in their rehabilitation after completing a nurse skills training course. The aim of this study was to analyze the legal and ethical framework pertaining to ICU organizational practices, survey the family members of ICU patients and develop a nurse skills training course for family members at the Clinic for Anesthesiology and Intensive Care of Tatarstan Clinical Cancer Center. We analyzed ICU regulations and surveyed 35 family members of ICU patients using a specially designed questionnaire. In 2017-2019, 185 individuals took the proposed training course; 32 ICU patients received additional care from their trained relatives. The mental state of the patients was assessed on the Mini Mental State scale; their physical condition was also assessed (the presence of bedsores, enteral nutrition). Results: 71% of the respondents accept the restrictive policies of ICU, 97% believe they are ready to take care of their family member in ICU, 66% do not have the necessary experience. A 3-h long interactive training course was designed to teach family members nursing skills. A total of 185 volunteers completed the training course, and 32 ICU patients received additional care from their trained relatives. As a result, the quality of their enteral nutrition, skin condition and mental state improved. Engagement of trained family members in the care and rehabilitation of ICU patients creates a friendly atmosphere and promotes positive changes to the patient’s condition, their emotional and cognitive state.