Tips to Preparing a Room for Handicapped, Convalescent or Palliative Care in Your Home

Preparing a room in your home so that a loved one can be in comfortable and familiar surroundings while they recover from injury or illness, or live out the last days of their life, is not as difficult a task as it may seem, even if the room or space available is not very big. The physical and emotional comfort of the patient is of primary importance, but the needs of the caregiver also have to be remembered.

1. Space. The first thing you will need to do is figure out which room in your home is available and most suitable for the patient. Will the individual be able to get up to use the wash room, in which case an ensuite bathroom or one very close by would be most appropriate. Can you afford to add a bathroom or renovate in any way? Do you have the time to renovate prior to the patient coming home? Do you actually have an available room or will the person have to be accommodated in part of your main living area? What about stairs? Will your person be able to go outside with a wheelchair at some stage, or even walk with assistance within the home? Do you need to remove rugs from the floor or pieces of furniture that might become a hazard? Once you have sorted out this problem, you can proceed with furnishings for the room.


2. Bed. A hospital bed is usually more comfortable for the patient, and it is easier for the caregiver who will attend them. Which bed you buy will depend largely on how much money you have available. A full electric bed will allow for all adjustments to be made with the touch of a button. A semi-electric bed allows raising and lowering of the head and foot of the bed electrically, but raising and lowering of the bed itself is done manually via an easily accessible handle at the foot of the bed. With a manual bed, all adjustments are made manually using various levers at the foot of the bed. What is the patient's weight? Is a bariatric bed required?


3. Patient Lift. Is the patient handicapped but mobile enough to use a wheelchair? If this is the case, a patient lift may be required to get the individual from bed to wheelchair and back again. As with beds, patient lifts can be electric or manual, and bariatric lifts are available.


4. Stair Lift. If the patient must be accommodated upstairs, do you need and can you afford to put in a stair lift so that they can be safely transported up and down the stairs? Installation of a stair lift should be done by a professional, is a quick procedure, and the lift can be easily removed afterwards.


5. Accessories. Is a stand alone commode required that is nearby or can the patient use a commode over the toilet? What about a walker? And in the case of both of these pieces of equipment, are wheels necessary? Do you need to install grab bars in the bathroom - in the shower and by the toilet?

The above tips will help get you started on preparing a room for your loved one. Personal touches within the room will help to make it seem more like home, things like familiar pictures or pieces of furniture if there is sufficient space in the room. The comfort and happiness of your loved one is paramount.