Quick Tricks to Ready Your Home for a Medically Complex Child

July 29, 2024

Preparing your home for a child with complex medical needs involves organizing your space to ensure efficiency and safety. Use these practical tips to set up your home for smooth, effective care and to support your nurse and family members in their roles.

1. Organize Essential Supplies

Keep frequently used items within easy reach:

  • Toiletries and Supplies:
    • Diapers
    • Baby wipes
    • Paper towels
    • Scissors
    • Over-the-counter medications
    • Stethoscope
    • Thermometer
    • Feeding supplies (bottles, bottle brush, water pitcher with straw)
    • Exam gloves
    • Hand sanitizer

2. Keep Lifesaving Equipment Accessible

  • Critical Equipment: Ensure items like an Ambu bag or handheld ventilator are positioned at the bedside for immediate access.

3. Communication and Organization

  • Dry Erase Board: Hang a dry erase board nearby for easy communication between nurses, care providers, and family members.
  • Organizers: Use shower caddies, shoe organizers that hook on doors, or plastic bins to keep medical equipment sorted and accessible.

4. Setup for Nursing Care

  • Space Management:
    • Position a chair and a trashcan with extra bags near your child’s bed to provide space for the nurse to work comfortably.
    • Ensure there’s ample room for lifting and handling medical equipment.

5. Electrical and Cleaning Needs

  • Electrical Outlet: Place a six-way electrical outlet strip with surge protection nearby for powering equipment.
  • Laundry Basket: Have a laundry basket close by for soiled clothes and towels.

6. Monitoring Systems

  • Baby Monitor or Camera System: Set up a two-way baby monitor or a camera system that connects to your smartphone to monitor your child while you are out of the room.

7. Emergency Preparedness

  • Backup Equipment: Keep backup equipment and generators readily available.
  • Extra Clothes: Store extra clothes for your child in case of an unexpected hospital stay.
  • Family Education: Educate all family members, friends, and loved ones on emergency procedures and what to do in case of an emergency.

By organizing your home effectively and preparing for emergencies, you can create a supportive environment for your child and caregivers. This setup will help ensure that care is managed smoothly and that your child’s needs are met efficiently.