Hospital stays can cause both emotional and physical challenges when returning home. A person’s body needs time to recover. They will also have to establish their own daily routines. And, most importantly, they will need to create a safe environment for themselves. Having proper recovery care available will make this process much easier and less stressful while avoiding many complications.
Here are some tips to help prepare your home for your loved ones safe and easy recovery.
Set Up the Right Recovery Area
Choose a room that is peaceful, uncluttered and located close to the bathroom. Here are some requirements for a good recovery room:
- Adequate room for caregivers to walk around.
- Some natural light for a cheerful and therapeutic setting.
- Comfortable temperature. Not too cold. Not too warm.
Consider placing a bedroom on the main level of your house if the patient has poor mobility so they do not have to climb upstairs and downstairs as much. Using a medical bed for sale can help make your experience at home even more enjoyable with hospital quality items without losing the comfort of being at home.
Provide a Suitable Bed and Mattress
Recovery at home starts with having a suitable bed. There are many reasons why people may not enjoy their regular home bed. It may be too low. Too soft. Or maybe it does not allow them to easily adjust it. These issues can make it harder for the patient to get into or out of bed, sit up, or change positions as needed.
For this reason, many caregivers rely on the best hospital beds for home use that include adjustable head and foot sections for sitting or lying down, height adjustment for safer movement, supportive side rails, better pressure relief than a normal mattress and more. Additionally, these beds can be paired with a high-quality medical mattress rental to promote restful sleep and prevent bedsores. Buying a medical bed for sale can be a cost-effective option.
Remove All Obstacles to Prevent Falls
Falling is the most common hazard during the first week at home. Make sure that there are no obstructions along the pathways that lead to the recovery area. These types of obstacles can include:
- Slippery rugs
- Cords
- Small pieces of furniture
- Boxes or toys
Proper lighting at night is also important. Install nightlights in the hallway, in front of the recovery room door and in the bathroom.
Have Everything You Need Near By
Having everything you need nearby reduces stress and makes it easier to complete tasks. For example, put water bottles, medications, telephones, remote controls, tissues, personal hygiene products, call bells and/or other means of contacting caregivers near your loved one’s bedside during the first week at home.
Ensure the Bathroom Is Also Safe
Bathrooms are hazardous environments for individuals recovering from surgery or illnesses due to slippery surfaces and lack of balance.
Add simple yet effective safety measures to your bathroom including:
- Anti-skid mats
- Grab bars for toilets and showers
- Raised toilet seats
- Shower chairs
- Hand held showerheads
If accessing the bathroom is challenging during those first few days, consider using a commode chair near the bed. Commode chairs resemble armchairs with a hole through the middle of the seat. They make fewer trips back-and-forth and are ideal for caring for elderly family members who may require assistance getting in and out of the bathroom.
Organize Medication Schedules/Reminders/Appointments
Develop a detailed medication regimen using a pill box or similar organization system to reduce confusion about taking medications. Schedule reminders with alarms and maintain a list of all medications in your pocket or on the wall next to your bed. As well, pre-book follow-up appointments. Virtual visits are a good option in the early stages of recovery to minimize pulling too heavily.
Use Assistance Devices to Enhance Mobility
There are often times when patients will require assistance with ambulation (e.g. walkers, wheelchairs or transfer poles.) Consult with your healthcare provider before discharge about what type(s) of assistive devices will be necessary for the patient.
Using one of the best hospital beds for home use can enhance transfers, repositioning and caregiving if mobility is limited.
Create an Emotionally Supporting Space
Healing involves not only the physical body — but also the mind/emotions. Create an emotionally supporting space in which your loved one can relax. Add items to the space that are calming such as:
- Soft throw blankets
- Family photographs
- Music
- A comfortable chair for friends and family to visit
Encourage positive conversation, patience and support. During that first week there may be a great deal of anxiety present in creating a calm space will greatly reduce that feeling.
Be Aware of Early Warning Signs
While on the lookout for warning signs during that first week at home (such as fever, unexpected pain, swelling, difficulty breathing etc.), seek immediate attention from a healthcare provider if you notice anything unusual or see red flags such as:
- Infection signs
- Side effects from prescription medications
Final Words
The first week after being discharged from the hospital is an extremely important period. A hospital bed rental Toronto properly set up recovery space provides a safe environment for patients to heal and increases confidence in caregivers to take part in assisting in their recovery. While using supportive equipment (like a medical bed for sale), will not replace all aspects of quality care provided by medical professionals. But, it will improve overall comfort/safety during the recovery process.