Providing
round-the-clock care
for a loved one is a significant commitment.
Beyond the mental and emotional investment
required to be a caregiver, you will also need to make some investments in
your home. Whether you’re providing care for an elderly loved one, someone
recovering from an illness, or
palliative care, here are five essential ways to prepare your home for a positive
caregiving experience:
1. Prepare a comfortable living area
Those receiving care at home will spend a lot of time there. Making their
space
as comfortable and welcoming as possible can go a long way! If possible, set up a first floor bedroom so stairs can be avoided and
include some simple comforts, such as a television or their favorite art or
decorations, that will make their time more enjoyable. Don’t forget the
comfort of the caregiver, either: couches, comfortable chairs, and plenty
of lighting will make it easier to provide your loved one with the care
they require.
2. Accessibility is key
Be sure to
consider the mobility challenges of the person receiving care. While a first floor living area and bedroom is ideal, this setup is not
always possible. In this scenario, consider a stair lift to help your loved
one get up and down from their living area to the first floor with ease.
Entering and exiting the house are equally important to plan for — ramps,
in lieu of stairs, can make that process much simpler. In addition to
access points, inspect the living area for any other challenges for
mobility, such as
tripping hazards
or slippery surfaces, and address them appropriately.
3. Don’t neglect the bathroom
The bathroom will be one of the most frequented rooms of the person
receiving care. It can also be one of the more treacherous areas of the
home, but
a few small adjustments make a big difference. Install grab bars near the toilet and in the shower to help with sitting
and standing.
Since the bathroom can often be wet and slippery, anti-slip padding or materials are also important to keep the room safe
and usable. If the person receiving care has difficulties standing for a
prolonged period of time, consider a shower chair or hand-held shower to
make bathing easier.
4. Anticipate communication needs
Even the most dedicated caregiver
can’t be with someone 24 hours per day, 7 days a week. You will need to have a
system in place for communication
when you are unable to be with the person receiving care. An intercom
system is a useful way to maintain contact throughout the house; however,
they can be expensive to install. For a more cost-effective solution,
consider investing in some baby monitors.
5. Safety first
Hopefully you have already taken the time to do a
basic safety review of your house
in the past, but the decision to provide care is a good time for a review.
Inspect all smoke and carbon monoxide detectors to ensure they are still
functional and make sure there are fire extinguishers readily available for
use throughout the home. Set aside some time before care begins to
review your home’s first aid kit
and basic medical supplies. A well-stocked first aid kit can be a
life-saving resource during an emergency.
Preparing your home before care begins can make for an easier transition
and will also ensure that your loved one feels relaxed in their new
environment. Caregiving is a big responsibility —
if you feel overwhelmed, your health care provider should be able to refer professional resources that can
support both the preparation of your home and care itself.
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