Home Improvements to Welcome a Loved One from the Hospital
Knowing that a hospitalized loved one can finally go home is always an exciting time. You can’t wait to visit them one last time at the hospital only to take them home with you. But before you plan a welcome surprise on the big day, know that there are many things you ought to do first. For one, you need to make sure the house is ready for their arrival.
It is crucial that you keep your home healthy and safe enough for them. Regular cleaning might help but won’t always be sufficient. For most homeowners, a few home improvements should be enough to make sure the house is well-prepared for your hospitalized loved one’s arrival.
Disinfect the House, Especially Their Room
Deep cleaning the house will help ensure that your loved one gets to stay in a clean household. Focus on high-touch surfaces and highly-trafficked areas. You want to make sure that their own rooms as well as doorknobs, light switches, tables and chairs, and common areas like the living room, dining room, and bathrooms are deep cleaned and disinfected.
Using appropriate cleaning products and use them as instructed. It helps if you can talk to their doctor and check if you can use your regular cleaners, disinfectants, and air fresheners. You don’t want to aggravate their condition, especially if your loved one has allergies and respiratory diseases.
It is best to stick to organic and natural cleaners. These are the healthier and eco-friendlier choices. Ensure adequate ventilation when disinfecting the home to improve air quality.
Invest in Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
HVAC services do more than ensure your HVAC system is working efficiently. The pros can check to make sure all of your units and duct system are clean and in excellent shape. They can also help make sure your home gets to regulate and maintain a desirable and comfortable indoor temperature.
The air we breathe at home is not necessarily cleaner than the air we breathe outside. Since your loved one is still recuperating, they will surely require a living space with cleaner indoor air. With heating, ventilation, and AC services, you can be sure that the air they breathe is cleaner.
Your loved one still needs to rest for a few days after getting out of the hospital. An efficient working HVAC system is also ideal for recovering patients since they are proven to be quieter. With a quiet ac working its magic, they will surely enjoy resting in a quiet and cool place.
Reorganize the House
Your loved one is more likely to spend most of their time indoors. You can make it easier for them by reorganizing the house to better accommodate their needs. This is especially true if they are having a hard time moving around.
Consider if moving their room on the first floor makes sense. They may have a hard time walking up and down the stairs while recuperating. This will make it easier for them to access common areas like the living room and kitchen if their bedroom is on the first floor.
Rearrange their stuff for better and easy access. Keep everything within reach and in an organized way. Remove all unnecessary clutter, especially on the floor.
If they are now using a wheelchair or crutches, it would be wise to remove anything that will make it hard for them to navigate the house. Rearrange furniture as necessary to improve their safety at home.
You can also consider investing in grab bars in their bathroom and handrails in long hallways. This will make it easier for them to use the toilet, get in and out of the bathroom, and navigate the hallways. They may not have enough energy to move around with support, making these additions a worthy investment.
Improve Your Outdoor Living Space
Nothing can boost one’s health than by giving them relaxing outdoor living space. Now, you have more reasons to invest in landscaping and improving your deck or patio. The more you provide them with an excellent outdoor living space, the more likely they spend outdoors.
Consider investing in comfortable outdoor chairs and a table. This will give them a comfy space to spend lazy afternoons. Add local plants and trees to your garden to give them a nice view of nature.
Outdoor living space will give them an area where they can do simple exercises and even engage in gardening. They can receive guests visiting them on the deck or patio. They will also have more space to explore whenever they find themselves feeling bored inside the house.
Preparing your home for a hospitalized loved one’s arrival is crucial for their health. You want to provide them with a safe and healthy environment where they can recover faster. With these few home improvements, you can ensure that you get to welcome your loved one the best way possible.
Meta title: Preparing for a Loved One Coming Home from the Hospital
meta desc: Your loved one is about to go home after staying in a hospital. Your next big step is to make the necessary preparations. Here’s how to give warm welcome.