What are some things I can do to help make an elderly guest comfortable?
My friend has an aunt in her late 70s with mobility problems. She traveled to the East Coast to visit her family, but has now taken ill and will not be able to travel home for a few weeks or months while she recovers from a heart attack. The relatives have decided that she should stay with my friend, although he does not have an apartment set up for her. I was thinking of installing those bars by the bathtub and toilet so that she can get in and out of the shower without falling. However, I am wondering if there are other things that I could do help get his apartment ready for when she is released from the hospital next week.
Bflatblues2010-08-27T10:46:14Z
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Very thoughtful of you to ask this... Be conscious of small throw rugs if there are any around; these are easy to slip on - they could be removed completely or even velcro'd to the floor. Hours can feel like days when recovering from a heart attack ... maybe you could ask ahead as to any types of magazines, books or even movies she enjoys and have some of each on hand. Lastly, slow walking on level surfaces is usually recommended for the elderly after a heart attack ... maybe you could even pitch in with your friend and offer a short walk outdoors now and again with her so that she's not alone and will be encouraged to be more mobile.
And I know this might sound like a voice of doom, but perhaps your family could pitch in and get her one of those Emergency Alert buttons that they can wear on their wrist (like a watch) or on a chain (like a necklace). She may feel great to know that she can just push a button should she start feeling ill again. Minutes count!
I have no idea who is giving the TDs to the answers previous to mine because they are all spot on. I agree: A way (alert alarm or bell) for her summon assistance is a good idea - it can be reassuring. Small rug removal is also good. In fact, walk around your house but drag your feet on the floor as you go. Do you find and bumps or dips that might trip her up. If she needs the bar to get in and out of the tub she might also need a small stool to sit on while taking a shower.
Also: Check your house after dark. Does that hallway need a brighter light? Can you put a night light in the bathroom she will use? Do you have a lamp that she can brighten and dim for next to her bed.
This is very nice of you and I'm sure she will be most appreciative.
watch out for throw rugs, hard to use a walker when they are around, call visiting nurses to come to the house to bathe her, Medicare will pay for if doctor orders. Get a bigger clock that lights up so at night she can use as a nightlight and also see the time. Get a grabber, so she can pick up things she has dropped.
A little bell that she can keep on her bedside table to ring in case she needs help. Put brightly colored rubber electrical tape on the edge of any steps so she can see them clearly. A rolling tray similar to the ones they have at a hospital to serve food and keep liquids handy. Ensure or meal supplement liquids to keep her nutrition intake at a good level in case her appetite is down after her illness.