The vast majority of hospice services are provided in the home. In fact, according to a recent report published by the National Hospice and Palliative Care Organization (NHPCO), over one-third of hospice services are delivered in private residences. Given the number of patients receiving hospice care at home, it’s natural to wonder how to prepare a home for hospice care.
How to Prepare a Home for Hospice
When preparing a home for hospice, families that are well-prepared not only make the process easier for themselves but can also help reduce the stress on their terminally ill loved one. Research shows that a lack of preparedness is associated with a greater risk of anxiety, major depression, and complicated grief for both loved ones and caregivers. It’s important to recognise the emotional and psychological aspects of this process, as it can be a challenging and emotional time for all involved.
Given the importance of preparation, consulting with the hospice care provider and the patient’s care team is vital. They play a crucial role in creating a checklist to get the home ready. The hospice provider and care team will likely assess the home environment to determine what is needed to provide care effectively. Their expertise will guide you in making the necessary adjustments.
The preparations for a hospice home can be divided into two broad categories: caregiver preparation and patient comfort.
Caregiver Preparation
Although hospice services are provided at home, it’s important to ensure that the environment is conducive for caregivers to assist the patient. While the home doesn’t need to resemble a hospital room, it should be set up to allow caregivers to perform their duties while remaining a safe space for the patient. Here are some key considerations when preparing a hospice home:
Make the Home Accessible for Both Patient and Caregiver
A hospice patient’s home serves as both a workspace and a place of comfort. Living areas should be safe and accessible for both the patient and caregivers, similar to a hospital or long-term care facility. There should be ample space for movement, allowing the patient to walk safely around the home. In many cases, a patient may need assistance walking, so walkways should be free of hazards, and grab bars or other mobility aids may be necessary to prevent falls. Special attention should be given to the bathroom, which can be particularly hazardous for patients who have difficulty moving independently and performing activities of daily living (ADLs).
In addition to ensuring a safe environment for both the patient and caregivers, the home must accommodate any necessary medical equipment, such as a commode chair, shower chair, or wheelchair. Further consideration should be given to whether the patient requires special equipment for bathing or moving around the house. The home should be free of obstructions and organised in a way that allows equipment, caregivers, and the patient to move freely.
Find a Suitable Place for a Bed
For patients who will spend most of their time in bed, it’s important to find an accessible and comfortable location for the bed. If a patient is having difficulty getting in and out of a regular bed, a hospital bed can provide a safer and easier way to receive care. It also simplifies tasks like dressing and making the bed.
A hospital bed, roughly the size of a twin bed, features a movable foot and head that can be raised or lowered. It usually has wheels and convertible bed rails for safety. When deciding where to place the bed, consider the activity that will occur around it, ease of access, and any medical equipment that may need to be nearby.
Finding the right spot for a bed in a hospice home can be tricky, as accessibility, safety, and comfort must all be considered. It can also be difficult to convince a patient to give up their regular bed. In some cases, the home’s layout may not be suitable for placing a hospital bed where it’s accessible, especially if it requires navigating stairs. Ideally, the bed should be placed in a safe, accessible area that still allows for patient comfort.
Patient Comfort
The central principle of hospice care is providing patients with comfort during a terminal illness. Therefore, the home environment should be arranged to make the patient as comfortable as possible. Although hospice care is delivered at home, the setting should strike a balance between being a functional caregiving space and maintaining the familiar home environment the patient is used to. This requires balancing the need for a safe, workable space with the need for a soothing, comfortable atmosphere.
Lighting, Sound, and Temperature
A normal home is often full of activity, sounds, and smells. If multiple people live in the home, there may be a lot of coming and going, doors opening and closing, and background noise from TVs or radios. For some patients, this normal household activity may be comforting and provide a sense of routine.
However, other patients may prefer a quieter, more controlled environment. It’s important to consider the patient’s preferences and what will make them feel most comfortable. For patients who spend long periods in bed, ensuring windows have adequate shading or coverings is often necessary. This helps control sunlight and artificial light exposure, preventing restlessness or discomfort at night.
In terms of temperature, patients may be more sensitive to fluctuations, particularly those taking medication. It’s essential to provide access to a fan or heater if normal room temperatures feel uncomfortable for the patient.
Comfort Items
Hospice care is centred on making patients comfortable, which can often be achieved by surrounding them with the familiar comforts of home. Items such as a favourite chair, warm blankets, or a “go-to” snack can make a significant difference. Even if a patient is largely confined to bed, a comfortable chair or familiar foods (as long as dietary restrictions allow) can help create a homely environment that is both comforting and soothing during their care.
Claire is a distinguished expert in the care home sector and a foundational member of our team since the business’s inception. Possessing profound expertise in the industry, she offers invaluable insights and guidance to individuals and families seeking the ideal care home solution. Her writing, underpinned by a deep commitment to sustainability and inclusivity, appeals to a broad spectrum of readers. As a thought leader in her field, Claire consistently delivers content that not only informs but also enriches the understanding of our audience regarding the nuanced landscape of care home services.
