In a two story house it is
preferable for the loved one to stay on the first floor. It helps him/her to
feel less isolated and eliminates trips up and down the stairs for you. It
prevents potentially serious falls.
Place a single bed in the room so
it is accessible from both sides; making up the bed and moving the loved one in
bed will be easier this way. If possible, place the bed near a window so your
loved on can see outside and feel more connected to the rest of the world. If
you need a hospital bed with side rails, rent one from a medical supply company,
or if it is going to be long term, purchase one (ask your loved one’s doctor
for a reasonable reference or contact the local medical supply store).
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| I prefer a bell to a whistle |
Provide a stereo or sound system
for playing “white noise” CDs or soft music. If your loved has dementia, songs
from their childhood can be familiar and soothing, and if they suffer from “sundowner”
Alzheimer’s, gentle music can sometimes subdue them a bit during that time of
agitation.
Television is another way for your
loved one to feel connected to the world. By providing a television and remote
control in their room, they can feel free to watch what, and when, they want
to. I encourage you not to let the TV become their “babysitter” though. There is
no substitute for human interaction. Although, I will also add, there are times
when you will need to get away from them as much as it is the other way around,
so a television can come in handy at times.
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| Commode with bucket liners |
If your loved one can get out of
bed but cannot get to the bathroom easily, get a portable commode (contains a
removable bedpan) from a medical supply store or borrow/rent one from your hospital).
If your loved one is confined to bed, keep a bed pan (and a handheld urinal for
a male) near the bed at all times, within reach of your loved one, to prevent
embarrassing calls for assistance. Remember to check in often to empty urinals
and bedpans.
Be sure the temperature in the room
is comfortable and the air circulation is adequate. It is OK to open a window slightly
to bring in fresh air, but be sure the room is free of drafts.
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| Add drapery pins to attach |
Blackout curtains or drapes can be
a benefit for loved ones who have trouble sleeping. If you cannot afford to purchase
new drapes, you should be able to find blackout liners or buy blackout fabric
and simply pin it up behind your current draperies, with drapery pins.
Purchase an
overbed table on wheels to use for meals if your loved one cannot join the
family for meals. The tables range from $60 to $150 online. If you can get one
with a drawer, it will allow your loved one to keep their personal items
inside; lipstick, razor, mirror, toothbrush.
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| Overbed table is a must! |
Have a
bucket handy for washing up and sponge baths. Water can be brought to your
loved one and they can tend to their own washing if possible. Be sure to provide a couple of large towels; one for drying and one for covering up (it can get chilly during a sponge bath). Body or shower gel is better than soap and an over-sized wash cloth is helpful as well. Any privacy you
can allow them contributes to their independence and well-being.
For chemo
patients, or those who deal with nausea, keep plastic-bag-lined trash can handy
for emergencies (I also pad the bottom of the plastic bag with several layers
of paper towels). The hospitals will give you a kidney container, but quite
frankly, those do not hold enough to make them worthwhile.
There will
be others things you discover as you set up your home. Every home is different,
and every loved one has special needs. I hope this list gives you a good idea
of what is needed and at the very least, a place to start. Happy Homemaking!
Based on Guide to Home Caregiving by American Medical Association. JohnWiley & Sons, Inc. ©2001 American Medical Association All Rights Reserved
Additional editing by Lauri Dilbeck
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