During hospice care in Dallas, Texas, members of the hospice team will visit your place of residence to provide medical care, spiritual support, and counseling services that are tailored to help the patient feel comfortable. This will allow both patients and their families to have a better quality of life and focus more on spending time together in a familiar environment. If you have availed of Dallas hospice care services for yourself or a loved one, there are a few things to prepare ahead for an easier and smoother transition. Read on to learn more.
Decide Where to Place the Bed
Patients in hospice care will spend the majority of their time in bed. That’s why it is advisable to invest in a hospital bed for better accessibility and maneuverability. You should also consider the location of the bed as well. When determining where to place the bed, we recommend placing it in an area with plenty of room for the bed and medical equipment such as an oxygen tank, feeding equipment, bedside commode, and others. The bed should also be in an area where you can control the sound and lighting for the comfort of the patient. You may want to purchase blackout curtains and a white noise machine to help with sleeping, as well as to place the bed in a room where there is minimal outdoor noise.
Check for Bathroom Safety
The bathroom is one of the areas hospice care patients will need safe access to throughout the day. Unfortunately, this area is a common site for accidents and falls due to slippery floors or lack of support in the room. You can prepare the bathroom by placing non-slip mats on the floors, installing removable shower heads and grab bars, as well as placing stools in the shower for the patient to shower comfortably rather than struggle to keep standing.
Secure Mobility Around Your Home
Other than the bathroom and bedroom (or whichever room the patient will be staying at), it’s also important to prioritize mobility around the home for easier access to other rooms. Remove any rugs, electrical cords, or tripping hazards in rooms and hallways, install nightlights and handrails, as well as move furniture around to make it easier for the patient to go to other rooms in the house.
If you are still looking for experienced Dallas hospice care services, you may want to consider us at Holding Hands Hospice. Our team of skilled and compassionate physicians, nurses, social workers, and other hospice care professionals are committed to prioritizing our patients and their families’ comfort and happiness first. Give us a call today to learn more about our hospice care solutions.
