Share

20 practical tips on home-based care

Caring for a patient at home can be physically challenging and emotionally taxing. Here are some practical tips for the caregiver to help ease the burden of care.

1. Get into a daily routine
Patients feel more secure when they have routine in their lives and know what to expect. Discuss the daily routine with the patient and work out a roster that takes into account the patients needs. The roster should incorporate times for eating, sleeping, bathing, exercise/recreation, medication etc.

2. Focus on good eating habits
The caregiver needs to ensure that meals are prepared timeously. If the patient is having difficulty eating, this can be very challenging. The caregiver must take into consideration the patient’s preferences and realise that he/she cannot change eating habits/routine overnight.

3. Regular bowel routine
The caregiver must document bowel routine of the patient and note any concerns.

4. Physical needs
First see to physical needs of the patient, then consider spiritual, emotional and psychosocial needs. The patient needs to be comfortable, pain-free, eating correctly, having regular bowel movements etc – these physical aspects play a big role in the quality of life of the patient.

5. Develop healthy sleeping patterns
Patients often get into the habit of sleeping during the day and being awake at night. If the patient is home-based, their sleeping patterns may affect the whole household. If the patient is in an unfamiliar environment, is experiencing discomfort such as hunger/thirst/noise or has fears or anxieties, this may also affect his/her sleep quality.

6. Make exercise part of your routine
This may include times for massage or exercise with specialists such as the occupational therapist.

7. Use a hospital bed instead of a normal bed
It is easier for both the patient and the caregiver to nurse a patient in a hospital bed.

8. Moving the patient
If the patient is unable to position or move him/herself, the caregiver needs to turn the patient at least every four hours to prevent bedsores. If bedsores have already developed, the patient needs to change position more frequently. The caregiver should learn how to correctly lift and position the patient to prevent injury to him/herself and to the patient.

9. Prevention of bedsores
Turn the patient every 2-4 hours. Massage high pressure areas with aqueous cream or other lotion. Moisture next to the skin, wrinkles or crumbs in the bed and friction may also contribute to bedsores.

10. Mouth hygiene
The patient should brush his/her teeth after each meal. If the patient is unable to brush his/her own teeth, use a soft toothbrush and toothpaste to brush their teeth. Make sure you also clean the gums. Try to use a mouthwash, if patient allows. Dentures should be removed and cleaned daily. Apply Lip-ice or Vaseline to patient’s lips.

11. Grooming
Keeping the patients hair short is easier for maintenance if the patient requires assistance to wash him/herself.

12. Caring for the nails
It is important to cut the nails regularly. It may be helpful to get a chiropodist to assist with nail care once a month. Finger nails should be cut to the shape of the finger; while toenails should be cut straight across. Be careful when cutting the nails of diabetic patients.

13. Coping with incontinence
Day hospitals can be contacted for incontinence sheets. Adult nappies can also be used. You can also use a black bag or mattress protector to cover the mattress before putting the bed linen on.

14. Hand washing
The caregiver needs to learn how to wash his/her hands properly using soap and water so that they do not get infected by open wounds/sores etc. Use of disposable gloves is highly recommended if the patient has an infection.

15. Safety precautions
Medicines should be stored in a safe place out of reach of children.

16. Useful contact numbers
Keep a list of emergency contact people (doctors, nurses, ambulance services, hospice services etc).

17. Patient details
The primary caregiver should have easy access to the patient’s basic details, medical documents such as medical aid card etc in cases where patient needs to be admitted to hospital or requires an ambulance.

18. Managing anxiety
Encourage the patient to talk about or write down their thoughts and feelings, engage in relaxing activities and seek out support groups. Ensure that the patient’s pain control is effective as this may add to stressful feelings.

19. Caring for the caregiver
Caregivers should remember to look after their own health as well. Take time to rest, relax, exercise and have time-out.

20. Respecting cultural beliefs
Respect the patient’s wishes with regard to cultural norms and values that are important to him/her. This may involve religious beliefs and rituals, food preparation, use of language, health-related decisions and traditions around death and dying.

(Thania Gopal, Health24, updated February 2011)

Sources:
Ester Pepper, Nursing Services Manager, St Lukes Hospice
Priscilla Nelson, CEO St Lukes Hospice


Read more:

Home-based care: pros and cons
Pain management
Helping someone with anxiety

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE