Hospice of Northern Colorado

Many caregivers are caring for a disabled, terminally ill family or friend in their own home. Unfortunately, most homes are not designed for caregiving. Modifications can make it easier and safer for the person to be cared for in the home. Your hospice team can also give you advice about this. They will help you take some time to look closely at each room where your loved one may be spending time and pay special attention to the bedroom, bathroom and hallways. Installing items such as grab bars in the shower, stool riser for the toilet or nonskid mats on the bathroom floor and bathtub can prevent slipping.

Ask your health care team for advice on what kinds of changes can be made around the house in order to bring comfort and safety to those being cared for. Some things you may want to pay close attention to are devices such as fire alarms. Make sure there are working smoke alarms and fire extinguishers throughout the house. Also, place emergency numbers, such as fire, hospital and 911 along with other important contact numbers by the phone or in another convenient location. Install nightlights and handrails in the hallways. This can make moving from room to room easy and safe.

If your family member or friend is disabled, make sure they have a clear path through each room. Move rugs or raised room dividers that would be easy to trip over and make sure there are no slippery floors. Install a wheel chair ramp by the front door and if your loved one is weak, attach a tray to the wheel chair to prevent falls. It is also a convenient place to set drinks, food or magazines. It is important to ensure the wheels are securely locked when doing transfers or if the chair is sitting on an incline.

Make sure the bed has guardrails. If it doesn’t, you can place the wheel chair or other guards next to the bed and position your family member or friend in the middle of the bed so he or she can turn over without a fear of falling.

Your local durable medical equipment company (DME) or community organizations such as Centers for Independent living or Area Agency on Aging may be able to assist you in finding local organizations to help modify your home for safety.