The preparation of your home to ensure better elderly care or patient care revolves around organising medication and medical records, preparing for emergencies, preventing falls, ensuring ease of movement, and maintaining hygiene in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai.
Creating a Safe, Clutter-Free Walking Space at Home
- Well-lit spaces:
Ensure all rooms and spaces, including stairs and washrooms, are well-lit. Motion-sensor lights or night lamps for nighttime navigation are a must. - Grab bars:
Place grab bars at all possible places, like near and inside the toilet, in the shower, hallways, and stairs, so that the patient can grab the rails and always be safe from falls. - Walkways:
All carpets or rugs that are not fixed to the floor or that move should be removed or fixed firmly to prevent tripping. Remove decorative items and everything else that can impede the walk. - Furniture:
Re-arrange furniture in the house to create clear paths and ensure easy movement for the elderly. A clear path also helps in moving the patient out of the house to the hospital during an emergency. The bed height should be suitable for getting up and sitting down. The chairs should have armrests to assist in sitting and standing. - Door mats:
All door mats should be non-slip. Whether it is the bathrooms or any other areas. - Floor:
The floor should be free from water or any materials likely to cause slips and falls. The washrooms should have anti-skid flooring, and if possible, the entire house.
Organising Medical Records, Medications, and Medical Devices
- Keep the medical records, medicines, medical devices, hygiene products, diapers, etc., at an easily accessible and single location.
- Water, alarm bell, mobile phone, and remotes should all be within reachable distance for the patient.
- Emergency contacts:
Phone numbers of doctors, nearby hospitals, pathology labs, pharmacies, caregivers, and ambulances should be prominently displayed. - Privacy:
Ensure privacy for the patient by installing movable curtains. - Stock the kitchen for special diets as suggested by the Doctor or nutritionist.
Arrange for Proper Hygienic Waste Disposal
- There should be separate bins for taking care of the medical waste.
- Use only closed-lid dustbins.
- All waste should be disposed of daily.
Comfortable Working Space for the Home Nurse or Caregiver
- A comfortable chair to sit.
- Access to eating space and drinking water.
- Access to the washroom and kitchen.
- Share phone numbers of the family members who need to be called in an emergency.
You may also install cameras to monitor your patient
Closing Thoughts
Proper home preparation for elderly home safety and senior home safety creates a secure environment for home nursing in Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. These simple adjustments ensure patient safety, caregiver efficiency, and peace of mind for families.