If your loved one is battling a debilitating disease, and you've decided on in home nursing care, it's time to get your home ready. Preparing your home for hospice care is an important part of the process, and it's one that should involve the patient, the primary caregiver, and the family. Hospice care is a way to spend time with your loved one in a caring and peaceful environment. Now that hospice is necessary, here are three steps you should take to make sure your home is ready for the care your loved one will require.

Prepare the Space

When it comes to hospice care, choosing the space is one of the most important decisions you'll make. The area you choose will need to accommodate everything your loved one will need for their daily care.

Bed

Your loved one will be spending a considerable amount of time in their hospital bed. Towards the end, they will be spending all their time there. You want the bed to be in a central location in the house. You also want it to be accessible to you and the in-home nurses who will be providing care for your loved one.

Equipment

If your loved one will be dependent on medical equipment, the space you choose will need to be spacious enough to accommodate the equipment, and any necessary supplies.

Walkways

If your loved one is still ambulatory, make sure that you create open walkways between key areas of the home, including from the bed to the bathroom. This will allow your loved one to get through the house without accident, or injury.

Create a Soothing Environment

Once your loved one comes home for hospice care, you'll want to create a soothing environment for them. One thing to remember is that they may be sensitive to lights, sounds, temperature, and even smells. Let your loved one tell you how to create an environment that's soothing for them. Pay close attention to situations that might become stressful for your loved one, such as loud noises or bright lights. While you're adjusting things for the comfort of your loved one, don't forget to give them personal items that might help them relax, such as a favorite blanket, or a soft pillow.

Make Room for Guests

While your loved one is in hospice care, friends and family may stop by to visit. Be sure to provide accommodations for those visits. Keep folding chairs stored in a nearby closet, so you can add extra seating as needed. It's also important to remember that your loved one may tire more easily. If you see your loved one becoming more fatigued, don't be afraid to cut visits short. This will ensure that your loved one is able to receive the rest they need.