Suggestions for outfitting a home hospice?

March 4, 2005 7:59 AM

HomeHospiceFilter: my father is coming to live with us in the midst of his battle with mesothelioma and melanoma. I have a couple of months to furnish our teeny-tiny (10x10 plus closet) guest room with stuff that's comfortable, practical, and homey. Of course, I have a teeny-tiny budget, too. Suggestions?

For what it's worth, he is a buddhist, an avid reader, and history channel fanatic. Suggestions we've had so far are a recliner (because sometimes it's more comfortable to sleep sitting up), and a nightstand on casters so it can be moved around. I have been combing Craigslist every day looking for deals, but I welcome any ideas from you all.

posted by whatnot to health & fitness (6 answers total)

Things that can be reused later will be good and versatile. I used to have a mobile file cabinet on castors as a bedside table, and now it's in my den. They're cheap at Costco or Staples - $30 or so. It has one large drawer and even a CD organizer in the top drawer - he could store books on CDs and medicines there. The castors are a great idea for changing the bed, helping him move around, etc. A recliner is also a great idea - if he's in bed, you can sit there while visiting and hanging out, or he can sleep there if it's easier to breathe or more comfortable. Those bed pillows with arms and little pockets are great, and I know they're fairly inexpensive at Target. They're great for lounging and watching TV. A little bell or buzzer is great if he gets sick or needs you during the night or if you're in another part of the house. Cozy socks, bathrobe, slippers and a small vase with flowers are also appreciated. There are some other threads here and here for ideas on how to entertain those who require bed rest or have limited mobility. A radio, small TV with VCR, and phone are also very nice additions, especially for those with some time to pass.
posted by fionab at 8:25 AM on March 4, 2005

when mom & dad did home care for my grandmother (and then my aunt) what was most important was a cleaning basin and a bell because it's hard to hear voices from the other end of their house. they also kept a small cabinet with snacks and drinks nearby. if your father's not bedridden, they probably won't be necessary, though.

make sure the guest room has a phone, too. ours didn't and it made it hard when relatives called.
posted by crush-onastick at 8:29 AM on March 4, 2005

The Austin Freecycle list might be of use also. I've been amazed at some of the stuff that people want to get rid of in a hurry. eBay has a few of these hospital-style bed trays that could be used for a laptop or DVD player, or just some water and a book. They're on castors as well.
posted by fionab at 8:36 AM on March 4, 2005

Don't forget thrift shops as a source, especially the ones associated with a church or charity. Also estate sales. Both tend to wind up with a lot of household items geared toward an elderly or sickly person's needs.

Even though the bedroom is the focal point, think too about "re-decorating" the path between bedroom and bathroom. If he's weak, watch out for obstructions, things to trip on, places where there's nothing to grab on to for support, etc.

Switch to no-hands door knobs. No kidding. When you've got an armful of dad, or sheets, or food, you'll be very grateful to be able to open the door with just an elbow press. Any downward pressure will spring the latch, which means your father can have his privacy without feeling trapped by the difficulty of twisting a knob on days when he's feeling especially achy or weak.

Have you called a local hospice or two? They can probably give you a solid list of recommendations, and might even have a few excess items that they can give/loan to your family.

Your county probably has a dept for the elderly or aging, which may be able to hook you up with inexpensive home consulting or support.
posted by nakedcodemonkey at 10:40 AM on March 4, 2005

Anything you can bring from his home/wherever he was living prior is good. Any art, special books, etc. would help make the transition better, plus is obviously a cheap way to furnish the room. A nice idea might be to get some new books for him, used is fine, but just some new things for him in the room that aren't illness-related things.

Nothing else I can think of to add to the good information above, just want to send good wishes and thoughts to you and your dad.
posted by livii at 11:25 AM on March 4, 2005

Thank you so much. I have signed up for freecycle, and will start checking into the other resources once I get my big freelance job off my plate.

nakedcodemonkey, we had already thought about switching the doorknobs because we are lazy! Now we have an official reason, so thanks for that.

He is in great shape and feeling pretty good right now, chemo and radiation side effects notwithstanding, so I didn't want him to come into a sterile environment. I will be making space for his books, personal effects, tv and computer in addition to the bed and recliner. Space will be tight!

And thank you very much for your good wishes livii. Always welcome.
posted by whatnot at 11:42 AM on March 4, 2005