Ever Thought About Turning Your Spare Room into a Healing Space?

When someone experiences surgery, struggles with a long-term illness, or cares for a senior member of their family, there will be a moment when that person asks themselves, "Where is the safest place for me to begin my journey back to health?" Hospitals provide wonderful medical treatment; however, so do homes. More families are converting guest bedrooms into functional and comforting places for healing.

Converting a guest bedroom into a healing space does not have to mean going through a total remodel, nor does it have to cost a fortune. If you plan carefully and purchase the right type of medical equipment for this room, you can design a safe environment that allows the individual recovering to maintain their sense of independence, provides comfort, and gives them peace of mind.

Why recover at home?

Many people choose to recover at home due to the emotional and physical benefits that hospitals simply cannot offer. When a person recovers at home, they are generally less stressed and are usually motivated to continue on with their rehabilitation program. Some of the other reasons that people choose to recover at home include the following:

• Increased comfort while being in familiar settings

• Increased private time/space

• Less chance of contracting hospital-borne illnesses

• Flexible scheduling of visit times with family/friends

• Emotional well-being improved

• Decreased overall medical costs for many conditions

When a healthcare provider recommends it, recovering at home may be as beneficial as recovering in a medical setting for many different types of conditions.

Selecting the proper bedroom

While all spare bedrooms could potentially be converted into a recovery space, each is not created equally. It is necessary to determine what room would work the best based on how mobile the individual will be during their recovery process.

To decide which room would be the best choice, look for the one that has the following:

• Close proximity to a bathroom

• Natural lighting

• Proper ventilation

• Ample room for caregivers to be able to maneuver easily

• Electric outlets nearby for the use of medical equipment

• As few stairs as possible

Additionally, the quieter area of the house would allow for a good night's rest and aid in quicker healing.

An adjustable hospital bed is important to a recovery space

In addition to choosing the correct location for a recovery space, installing an adjustable hospital bed is another key factor in creating a successful recovery space. Unlike regular beds, hospital beds are made to increase the patient's level of comfort and to assist caregivers in performing their duties safely and efficiently.

Advantages include:

• Ability to adjust head/foot position

• Simplifies transferring in/out of bed

• Improves circulation

• Increases oxygenation

• Reduces pressure points on joints

• Side rails for added safety

Renting a hospital bed is typically less expensive than buying one outright when recovery is only expected to last a short period of time.

Other important pieces of mobility equipment

During recovery, most individuals will have some degree of limited mobility; thus, the importance of supportive equipment becomes apparent.

Based on the patient's condition, you may need to install other pieces of equipment, including:

• Wheelchairs

• Walkers

• Rollators

• Transfer benches

• Bedside commodes

• Patient lifts

• Overbed tables

This equipment will enable patients to be as self-sufficient as possible while also limiting the amount of manual labour required of caregivers.

Safety should be priority number one.

A healing room should always be structured so as to limit falls and make day-to-day movements as unproblematic as possible. This can be achieved with very little money spent by implementing the following:

• Eliminating tripping hazards (loose rugs)

• Organizing electric cord placement

• Installing nightlights throughout the room

• Clear pathways for walking

• Non-slip flooring or floor mat installation

• Installation of grab bars (as required)

• Placement of commonly used items within reach

Even small changes can greatly decrease the number of accidents experienced during recovery.

Comfort is just as important as medical equipment

While medical equipment is crucial for a recovery space, comfort also plays a significant role in the healing process. For example, consider incorporating the following elements:

• Soft lighting

• Pillows

• Blankets

• Temperature control

• Black-out curtains for improved sleeping quality

• Fans/air purifier (quiet operation)

• Photos of family members/loved ones

• Favorable reading materials or entertainment

Will turn the space into a welcoming environment rather than one that feels sterile.

Organization of medicines and medical Supplies

Having organized medicines and medical supplies available in the recovery room will save time and cut down on stress.

Labelling containers in an obvious manner will make finding medical supplies much simpler. Label examples might include:

• Prescription medicines

• First aid kit Supplies

• Gloves (disposable)

• Hand sanitizer

• Tissues

• Cleaning wipes

• Water bottles

• Medical records

• Contact information for Emergency services

Using bedside organizers or carts will simplify accessing everyday necessities.

Comfort for family caregivers

Family caregivers will likely spend numerous hours helping with daily tasks while supporting their loved one. Providing a convenient space for them will benefit everyone involved.

Additional features to add for caregiver convenience include:

• Supportive chairs

• Portable tables

• Charge stations

• Storing personal belongings

• Adequate lighting for nighttime assistance

Making sure caregivers are comfortable will allow them to consistently provide daily care.

Utilizing modern Technology to assist with staying connected

With today’s modern technology options available, home-based recovery has never been easier. Some helpful tools to utilize while recovering at home include the following:

• Telemedicine appointments with doctors/providers

• Apps for reminding when to take prescribed medicine

• Voice assistants (e.g., smart speakers) to allow for hands-free assistance

• Devices for remote monitoring (e.g., heart rate monitor)

• Systems for contacting Emergency personnel remotely

• Thermometer/Digital blood pressure monitor (for remote monitoring)

The availability of technology can enhance communication and provide additional security measures for families.

Cleanliness must not be forgotten!

In order to prevent infection and create a healthy environment in a recovery space, cleanliness is a must.

Establish routine cleaning practices like:

• Changing bedding regularly

• Disinfecting frequently touched surfaces (high-touch areas)

• Emptying waste bins often

• Following manufacturer guidelines to sanitize medical equipment properly

• Practicing proper hand-washing techniques for anyone who enters the room.

By maintaining a clean recovery space, you are contributing both to the patient's safety and comfort.

Personalizing the Healing Space

Recovery is not only physically based — mental wellness is also important.

Allow your patient to personalize their healing space using items that promote feelings of comfort and calmness, such as

• Photos/family pictures

• Paintings/drawings

• Music they enjoy

• Houseplants (if appropriate)

• Cozy blankets/cushions/pillows

• Treasured keepsakes/mementos

Including these recognizable objects can alleviate anxiety and create an encouraging environment conducive to positive recovery experiences.

Final thoughts

Transforming a spare bedroom into a healing space is one of the most thoughtful ways to show your love and concern for a family member during their recovery. By combining comfort and safety with the right medical equipment, you will create an environment that promotes healing while enabling patients to remain close to those that matter most.

Regardless of whether your family member requires a few weeks or months of recuperative care after surgery or injury, having prepared adequately beforehand can ease daily life for both the patient and caregiver alike.