Indeed, it is possible to live with cancer, but there are still ways to make one’s house or living space safe and comfortable, which contributes a lot to easing cancer patients’ lives. This document assists you in designing and constructing a home environment that caters to cancer patients’s needs and makes their everyday activities less strenuous. We will look at the fundamental and advanced healthcare facilities available at home, such as cleaning and organizing, taking precautions, and creating some comfort.
Importance of a Cancer-Friendly Home
The moment you or a family member has cancer, the house is no longer simply a house. It is instead a place for refuge and repose. A cancer-friendly house helps to relieve tension, control infections, and alleviate treatment-related symptoms and complications. With a few prudent modifications, designing an environment that enhances physical and emotional well-being is possible.
How to Maintain House Sanitization and Hygiene?
The provision of a clean environment is among the most critical aspect of cancer-supportive housing. Most cancer treatment regimens tend to suppress the immune system creating room for opportunistic infections. Therefore, routine cleaning is rather useful in controlling infection-causing organisms.
Concentrate on promoting hygiene of frequently touched surfaces, including door handles, light switches, and the television remote control. Clean these surfaces a few times a day using a damp cloth and ordinary soap or a disinfectant solution containing high levels of health-approved enzymes. Rinse the cleaned and disinfected surfaces after cleaning to remove any remaining chemicals.
For surfaces such as floors, use a vacuum cleaner fitted with a HEPA filter for carpets at least two times a week. Such filters can absorb small impurities and allergens from the air. For flooring that is hard, you should make a point of mopping it every now and then with a suitable cleaning agent.
Make sure that your kitchen and bathroom are dry and clean. Because, moist there can promote the growth of mold and bacteria.
How Can You Enhance Your Indoor Climate?
It is quite obvious that clean air is a serious consideration that nearly all cancer patients especially those with conditions affecting their respiratory system have to think about. First, one has to open the windows for a couple of minutes even if it is raining to ensure that there is an appropriate circulation of air in the room. This basic gesture can help lessen stagnant air and improve air quality.
Try employing a HEPA filter air purifier in your common rooms and bedrooms. Such appliances can get rid of really small substances from the air, such as dust, pollen, and some types of bacteria. Install the purifier in places where you are likely to spend the most hours for better results.
When cleaning or deodorizing the air, do not use pungent chemical agents as well as air fresheners since they may interfere with the respiratory tract and provoke vomiting – a common side effect of most cancer treatment regimes. It is preferable to adopt an approach with product that does not have harsh artificial scents. Every other thing failing, one should use baking soda as it alleviates some smells.
If there are house plants in your house, make sure that they are low maintenance tht do not need frequent watering.
How to Make the Area Safe and Accessible in an Ergonomic Manner?
Constructing a cancer-friendly house requires safety considerations. Begin by eliminating dangling cords, loo, rugs, or any other obstruction on the floor. If you use a wheelchair or a wheeled walker, be sure there is ample space in every room to allow free movement.
Fix grab bars within easy reach in the toilet, shower, or bath. These will offer additional assistance and minimize the risk of falling down, especially when feeling weak or having balance problems as a result of treatment.
Adding a shower chair or bench can be a beneficial bathroom modification. It can also improve the bathing experience on less active days when fatigue levels are high. For instance, non-slip mats in the shower and bathroom floor can help avoid slip incidents.
In the kitchen, rearrange items to minimize the storage of dishes, cutlery, and food. Where twisting or stretching is impossible, a reacher tool may be used to obtain objects above the head or floor.
This ensures that there are no falls or other accidents in the house. Install nightlights in areas such as the hall and bathrooms, and install motion sensor lights within the house.
How to Create a Comfortable Resting Area?
Since recovery can only be completed by finding or building a suitable place to rest and sleep is essential. Your personal space should be a tranquil corner far from the noise. Make sure to select a mattress and bedding that enhances your sleeping position.
If you rest more often, some wedge pillows or an adjustable bed would be helpful. They also help when you want to sit up and read a book, watch a movie, or even eat while in bed.
Eliminate any unnecessary items from your resting place or keep them orderly. Ensure you have water, medication, and a phone within reach. A small table or over-bed tray will come in handy to ensure these items are close enough.
For optimal comfort, control the temperature in the room where you are resting properly. Some cancer treatments can also disrupt the body’s temperature control mechanisms, so it’s advisable to carry along a fan, extra blankets, or a heating pad.
Managing Nausea and Sensitivity
Numerous cancer therapies lead to vomiting and hypersensitivity to odors. Thus, to alleviate these effects, ensure that your perimeter is well-aired and devoid of aromatic scents. Do not prepare meals that have a solid, encompassing odor when feeling nauseated.
Place some simple, unseasoned foods like bread close to the bed to prevent the stomach from feeling unsettled upon waking up. In some cases, ginger tea or peppermint candies may relieve nausea.
If any odors cause nausea, it may be wise to opt for unscented personal and household cleaning products. Incorporating lavender or peppermint essential oils may be beneficial, as they are considered calming by some people. You should consult your doctor before using any new substance or treatment.
How Can You Organize Medical Supplies?
Management of medications and medical equipment can prove daunting. Therefore, we should create a specific section for the safekeeping and arrangement of these items. A clear plastic organizer with several sections will come in handy for organizing pills and other small items.
For managing medication calendars and appointments, use a big whiteboard or wall calendar. Place this where you can easily see it most of the time.
Make sure you store any medical supplies, like an oxygen cylinder, securely and easily accessible. Clear pathways throughout the house in preparation for any needed devices.
Encouraging a Positive Uplifting Atmosphere
Mental wellbeing has equal importance alongside physical health. Hence, emotional wellness must also be prioritized. Give yourself permission to be around the objects which make you happy and give you comfort. This includes everything from family pictures and artwork to souvenirs.
You can also plan to construct a small section near your premises where you and your family can meditate or just relax. This could be a warm armchair positioned by the window with an appealing view or a peaceful corner with cushions and calming decor.
If you enjoy the outdoors but find getting outside rare, plant some easy-to-maintain house plants and enjoy nature. Just ensure that the varieties you choose are non-toxic if you have pets.
Finally, there is music. Place a small speaker or radio in the main living area so that people can play their favorite music or soothing sounds whenever they want.
Preparing for Visitors
Though social gatherings are necessary, it is also vital to care for one’s well-being. Place a hand sanitizing station next to the entrance for the guests upon their arrival. In case some guests run out, prepare a few face masks.
Make separate provisions for the visitors, preferably in places that are less demanding and do not require them to walk around the whole house. It will help you avoid cleaning up the living room after guests leave and prevent them from entering.
Summary: Adapting Your Home for Long-term Comfort
As you progress through different stages of your cancer journey, always anticipate changing or modifying some other areas of your home. This may include adding a stairlift if navigating stairs proves difficult, or reorganizing your residence so that everything you need is within the same level.
It is important to note that the task of creating a cancer-friendly home does not stop. It is advisable to seek assistance from relatives, friends, or even qualified personnel when making these alterations. Your comfort and health are the most important factors to consider.
These guidelines can be customized to ensure that every cancer patient has a healthy, safe, and comfortable home during treatment. In addition, a home that is well prepared for cancer allows the patient to have peace of mind and feel in control of what is going on, thus concentrating on healing.
REFERENCES:
- https://www.helpforcancercaregivers.org/content/home-safety
- https://www.cancervic.org.au/cancer-information/treatments/treatments-types/chemotherapy/safety-precautions.html
- https://www.lls.org/sites/default/files/National/USA/Pdf/Publications/Pediatric_Caregiver_Workbook_CH8_Caring_for_Your_Child_During_Treatment.pdf
- https://www.rogelcancercenter.org/living-with-cancer/mind-body-and-side-effects/pharmacists-corner/your-home-environment
- https://briggshomecare.com/top-10-tips-for-creating-a-safe-home-care-environment/