HealthHospice Care

Helpful Tips for Making Your Senior Hospice Care More Comfortable Overall

Helpful Tips for Making Your Senior Hospice Care More Comfortable Overall

Many people have a family member, friend, or other close acquaintance living in a home or facility hospice care setting. It can be difficult to see these loved ones experiencing pain or other discomforting situations. Experienced hospice caregivers have some helpful tips for making your senior living in hospice care more comfortable overall.

Don’t Be Afraid to Ask About Possible Comfort Aids

Seniors who are diagnosed with a terminal illness can develop certain positioning or ambulation difficulties. Many hospice patients eventually begin to lose weight, and that alone can pose challenging problems with positioning or walking.

Very thin patients are more likely to feel greater discomfort due to less padding between their fragile skin and bony prominences and the surface that the person is sitting or lying on. This makes the person at greater risk of developing serious bedsores and other pressure related issues. Don’t be afraid to ask whether your senior is feeling uncomfortable.

If he/she does express discomfort, ask their caregiver or family doctor whether specialized positioning comfort aids, like gel foam chair pads, specially shaped positioning devices, or even whether a more comfortable mattress and/or a medical adjustable bed, would help make the patient more comfortable. Most insurance plans will cover these items if ordered by the doctor or physical therapist.

Switch to More Comfortable Clothing with a Looser Fit

Experienced hospice caregivers recommend that patients should wear comfortable and loose-fitting clothing. Additionally, there are some terrific adaptive clothing options that make getting dressed and undressed far easier and less uncomfortable.

These clothing styles typically use Velcro rather than uncomfortable to sit/lie on snaps or buttons. Some adaptive clothing designs use hidden side zippers for pants. Sewing enthusiasts can find adaptive clothing patterns too. Choose clothing fabrics that are breathable, especially during hot weather. There are also adjustable fit shoes and slippers as well.

Other Simple Comfort Measures Recommended by Caregivers

If the person being cared for begins to have difficulty with walking or other movements, consider getting adaptive devices like a walking cane, wheelchair, or a motorized easy-lift chair. Other comfort measures include bedside tables, chair footrests, bathroom grip bars, shower chairs or benches, and ramps.

Look for ways to keep belongings handy like a chair/sofa pouch for TV remotes, eyeglasses, reading material, and other items frequently used. Get more comfort care ideas from SBCP Home Care in Irvine via http://sbhospicecare.com.