Having a loved one preparing for Miami Valley hospice can be a difficult time for everyone. Not only can it be stressful for your parent or family member entering end-of-life care, but it’s also not easy to have to make sure you have everything ready for them while still processing the inevitable. At Miami Valley Homecare, we’ve put together a short guide to help walk you through the process of preparing your loved one for hospice care.
Prepare for an in-home caregiver
Hospice care most often comes with a caregiver whose primary job is to make sure that the patient remains comfortable for the duration of end-of-life care while assisting with the typical aspects of care that are needed. This can be everything from assisting with toileting to changing incontinence briefs to simply ensuring the patient has the right pillow.
Before the caregiver ever arrives at the home you’re going to need to make sure the environment is safe and conducive to providing necessary care. This includes removing potential tripping hazards like rugs, toys, or other items on the floor. If medical equipment is required in the home, be sure to make space for the machines that the patient will need during care.
Do your best to reduce excess noise
The main purpose of hospice care is to make sure the patient is as comfortable as possible. One aspect of comfort that might not be at the front of your mind is the amount of excess noise in and around the home. You can help to dampen outside noise by installing temporary window inserts, putting up heavy cloth curtains, or putting up tapestries on the walls to reduce echo. Making sure that individuals who come and go speak in quieter tones rather than using a loud speaking voice can also help to ensure that the home doesn’t get too loud.
Prepare lighting
Not everybody enjoys the same kind of lighting in the home. Ask your loved one if they would prefer to have natural lighting through the window, a simple lamp in the corner, or something in between. It’s also recommended that the lighting be easily adjusted for times when they want more or less light in the room. Overall, prepare the room so it doesn't have overly harsh lighting that will make it uncomfortable to spend long hours in the bedroom.
Control the temperature
Keep in mind that individuals who are nearing the end of life might make it difficult to regulate body temperature. This means that they might feel warm when the room is cold or cold when the room is warm. Adjust the temperature accordingly so they feel comfortable.
Prepare a room
As we previously mentioned, the point of hospice care is to ensure comfort at the end of the patient’s life. You can prepare a room for them before they come home by arranging for a comfortable chair or bed to be brought in that will ensure that they’re able to rest easily. A proper bed might include one that’s adjustable and allows the patient to sit up or even a hospital bed.
Beyond the comfort amenities, you’re going to need to make room for medical equipment that’s necessary to provide support and safety. This might include an oxygen concentrator or an IV drip for pain medication.
Contact us for hospice care
If you have a loved one who’s approaching a need for Miami Valley hospice, please get in touch with us at Miami Valley Homecare. We have a staff of care providers who can help you prepare their home for hospice care and provide accompanying end-of-life care. Give us a call today at 937-671-2273 to find out how we can help. You can also send a message using our online contact form.
