Creating a Healing Home: Essential Tips for Home Health Care

Home health care involves providing medical or custodial care to individuals where they live, rather than in facilities like nursing homes or hospitals. It allows people with illnesses, disabilities, or other conditions to receive treatment, therapies, and assistance in a familiar setting. With some preparation and by following best practices, families can ensure their home is set up for safe and effective care. In this article, Dealnew will provide tips and guidance for home health including setting up a care area, hygiene, mobility, nutrition, medication management, safety checks, and self-care.

Setting Up a Care Area

One of the most important aspects of home health care is designating a space to provide treatments and help with daily living activities. The care area should be a clean, well-lit room that is easily accessible, like a bedroom or home office. Make sure to regularly sanitize this space to prevent infection. The area should be well-organized with necessary supplies easily within reach. Stock the area with items like bandages, gloves, wipes, thermometer, blood pressure cuff, tape, gauze, and any prescribed creams or equipment. A rolling cart is useful for transporting supplies between rooms. Minimize clutter to allow sufficient space for mobility assistance, exercises, or therapist visits.

Bathing and Hygiene

Bathing is a basic part of self-care but those with limited mobility may need some assistance. When helping someone bathe at home, make sure the space is warm, slip-resistant, and equipped with grab bars if needed. Never leave the person unattended. Use a bath chair or transfer bench for safe ingress/egress from the tub. Always keep one hand free to maintain stability. Consider installing a walk-in shower for easier access without steps. For grooming, simplify tasks by sitting the person in a chair or propping them up in bed to make brushing teeth and hair styling easier. An electric shaver can make shaving safer. Check skin daily for any wounds, rashes, or signs of infection and treat them accordingly with proper products.

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Mobility and Transfer Assistance

Helping someone move around at home safely requires preparation. Install grab bars in key areas like showers, toilets, and furniture for stability. Use mobility devices like a walker or cane consistently and keep floors clutter-free. When assisting with transfers, move joints smoothly and avoid twisting motions. With two people, communicate clearly and lift together rather than sequentially. Consider investing in lifting equipment like a ceiling lift, slide sheets, or portable Hoyer lift depending on the individual's abilities and future needs. Develop a schedule and routine for range-of-motion exercises to retain function.

Nutrition and Meal Prep

Health starts with smart nutrition choices. Prepare shakes, smoothies, or meal replacements if chewing/swallowing is difficult. Consider dietary needs and consult doctors on any necessary supplements. Keep fresh ingredients stocked for simple recipes. Cook doubles to have pre-made portions available for easy reheating. Organize fridge shelf space by meal components to simplify accessing ingredients. Modify recipes if needed by adding purees, decreasing spices, or using adaptive equipment. Signs of malnutrition include weight loss, fatigue, and wounds healing slowly - address any concerns promptly with primary physicians.

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Medication Management

Store all prescriptions, OTCs, and supplements in one secure location with labels facing out for visibility. Use divided pill organizers or dispensers that are refilled weekly to promote adherence. Monitor for expiration dates and dispose of unused medications properly per FDA guidelines. When assisting, always wash hands, double-check doses against labels, and remain present during ingestion. Use spacers, nebulizers, or pill crushers as directed. Document any doses given or forgotten for reference at medical visits. Seek guidance from pharmacists on any medication interactions or side effects.

Home Safety Checks

Periodically inspect the home for hazards and make adjustments. Install nightlights in hallways and ensure handrails are fastened securely. Use non-slip mats in showers and grab bars anywhere balance may falter. Tie up electrical cords and clear pathways. Consider medical alert systems connected to emergency contacts in the event of falls or other incidents requiring rapid help. Keep a first aid kit on each floor along with over-the-counter medications. Make an emergency evacuation plan and designate a safe meeting place outside. Discuss living wills and advanced directives with doctors.

Self-Care and Mental Wellbeing

Taking on a caregiver role can become overwhelming without necessary breaks and support. Designate others who can provide coverage so the primary caregiver can run errands, spend time with friends, or simply rest. Have comforting foods and activities ready to avoid burnout. Join local support groups to connect with others facing similar challenges. Communicate honestly with care recipients about frustrations or limits to prevent resentment. Make time for leisurely interests that provide an emotional outlet. Contact the care team for additional counseling or training resources if dealing with complex physical or behavioral conditions at home.

Working with Healthcare Professionals

A successful care partnership involves clear coordination between home care staff/family and the broader medical community. Seek guidance from doctors regarding any changes in physical/mental status that seem unusual or worrying. Healthcare professionals can recommend extra therapies, home modifications, or level-of-care adjustments as needs evolve over time. Attend all medical appointments to address questions or document the care plan. If hospitalization becomes necessary, share medical records, medications, and care history promptly with admitting teams. Maintain open communication so each party feels supported in their roles.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the home offers comfort and familiarity that can speed healing or slow decline. By preparing adequately and practicing care routinely with mindful safety and well-being as priorities, the home environment can empower independent living or smoothly care for loved ones as needs dictate. Utilizing community resources and keeping physicians informed leads to the best outcomes possible within the capabilities of home care. With preparation and teamwork, Dealnew believes that the home will provide an ideal setting for many to receive needed medical assistance while surrounded by supportive family in a space they know and love.