Prior to deciding whether or not to place your loved one in hospice care, consider how much time they have left in their life. If the doctor tells you that they have at least a year or more to live, it may be too soon to begin treatment. In most cases, six months or less is an appropriate amount of time to transition your loved one into hospice care.

• Prepare For The Caregiver

Despite the fact that everyone in the home is accustomed to having the same number of people in the house, with in-home hospice care you’ll need to make room for one more addition: the caregiver. This will be a difficult transition for everyone involved, so get to know the caregiver and ask questions about how you and your family can assist in making this transition as smooth as possible. Getting to Know the Caregiver

Keeping the home in good condition will also allow the caregiver to come and go without encountering any hazards, such as small toys on the floor if there are children in the home, as well as keep the caregiver safe. Aside from the fact that medical equipment will most likely be brought into the home, cleanliness and home maintenance are essential in preparation for hospice treatment.

• Be Mindful Of Excess Noise

Patient’s home environment should not be the same as what they were used to in their previous home, unless otherwise specified. It will depend on the home, but there are several elements that may be standard for the average home that will need to be reconsidered as you prepare for in-home hospice care, including the following: All members of the household should be instructed to be considerate in their movements throughout the house in order to avoid disturbing the patient. When possible, patients prefer that noise levels be kept to a minimum, and this is something that the family should keep in mind as they adjust to their new home environment.

• Be Mindful Of Temperature

As previously stated, it is critical for the patient to be as comfortable as possible during the procedure. The temperature should be maintained at a level that is comfortable for the patient, especially in light of the fact that their condition may cause them to feel cooler or warmer than they would normally be. Additionally, make certain that the patient’s temperature does not fluctuate at a rate that is uncomfortable for him or herself. Determine whether it is necessary to appoint someone to monitor the thermostat or to make sure that all members of the household are aware of the new temperature regulations.

• Be Mindful Of Lighting

In addition to maintaining a comfortable temperature, it is critical to maintain a comfortable lighting environment. You don’t want the patient to be uncomfortable because the room is too dark or too bright. If necessary, make the necessary changes to the light bulbs. Also, keep in mind to adjust the blinds for the patient’s needs as well; if he or she prefers more light, open the blinds wider; if he or she prefers to nap, close the blinds completely.

• Prepare The Bedroom

There are some patients who require only the most basic accommodations, while others who require an infusion of additional equipment to make their room a safer and more comfortable environment. It is especially important for patients who will spend the majority of their time in bed that their bedroom is kept up to a standard that they are comfortable with in their own home. You might want to think about switching from a regular bed to a hospital bed. The price and design of these beds can vary widely. Some beds are simply designed to keep the patient upright, while others are equipped with a full range of electric features. A hospital bed would only improve the patient’s overall quality of life and comfort while receiving in-hospital hospice care.

• Prepare The Bathroom

Another important aspect of preparing for in-home hospice care is keeping the bathroom in good working order. It is possible that the patient is having difficulty maintaining their balance or performing activities of daily living. Adding handles to the toilet and tub to make it easier for the patient to use the bathroom and bathe is a great way to make their home more comfortable for themselves. It is also recommended that mats be placed on the bottom of the tub so that the patient can bathe with less of a chance of slipping and falling.

• Keep Meaningful Items

The patient can maintain his or her sense of comfort by keeping meaningful items in the room and at home, despite the fact that the transition is painfully obvious to everyone around them. Things such as framed photos, greeting cards, heirlooms, and other mementos should be left in the home so that the patient can continue to reminisce and truly feel at home, despite the sudden changes in their lives.

• Keep Documentation

It is critical that all medical records pertaining to the patient are kept in a secure and well-organized location. If the caregiver or the hospice facility requires the documents, you’ll want to make sure you have them readily available. These documents will be necessary to have on hand after the patient has passed away as well. Keep track of these documents now so that you don’t have to go through the hassle of looking for them later.