Preparing the home environment significantly aids a patient’s recovery during and after chemotherapy. Preparation focuses on maximizing comfort, minimizing infection risks due to a compromised immune system, and safely managing chemotherapy-related waste. Organizing the physical space and stocking necessary supplies reduces stress, allowing the patient to focus on healing.
Minimizing Infection Risk
Chemotherapy often causes neutropenia (a temporary decrease in white blood cells), severely limiting the body’s ability to fight pathogens. Maintaining strict household hygiene is paramount to prevent infection. Start with a deep clean, focusing on high-touch surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and refrigerator handles, which should be disinfected daily.
The kitchen and bathroom require extra attention, as these areas are prone to harboring bacteria. Food preparation must follow strict safety guidelines, including thoroughly washing all produce and ensuring all meats are cooked completely. Patients should avoid foods with a higher risk of bacterial exposure, such as unpasteurized dairy, sushi, and raw or undercooked eggs.
Managing pets mitigates the risk of zoonotic infection. Someone other than the patient should handle litter boxes or dispose of pet waste, as these can transmit pathogens like Toxoplasma gondii. Pets should be kept indoors during treatment, and the patient must avoid contact with animal scratches, bites, or open wounds.
Setting strict guidelines for visitors shields the patient from outside illnesses. Any visitor who is ill, even with a mild cold, should postpone their visit. For necessary visits, guests must perform thorough handwashing immediately upon arrival. The patient may also ask guests to wear a face mask as an additional barrier against airborne germs.
Creating the Primary Recovery Hub
The recovery hub is the designated space where the patient will spend the majority of their time, optimized for comfort and accessibility. Select a room that is quiet, has a stable temperature, and is close to a bathroom to minimize unnecessary movement and exertion. A comfortable recliner or an adjustable bed is helpful, especially if the patient experiences pain or nausea that makes lying flat difficult.
Within this space, all frequently needed items must be placed within arm’s reach to promote independence and conserve energy. This includes medications, a full water bottle, the telephone or mobile device, entertainment, and tissues. Organizing a small table or bedside caddy prevents the need to stand or search when the patient feels unwell.
Safety modifications are important to prevent falls, which can be serious for a patient with low platelet counts. Remove all throw rugs, and secure or reroute electrical cords to clear pathways. Bedding should consist of soft, easy-to-change materials. A waterproof mattress protector simplifies cleanup in case of accidental spills or illness.
Handling Chemotherapy Waste and Contamination
Chemotherapy drugs and their breakdown products can be excreted in bodily fluids (urine, stool, and vomit) for several days following treatment. Specific protocols are necessary to prevent contamination and caregiver exposure. Caregivers must wear disposable nitrile gloves when handling anything soiled with these fluids, such as linens, diapers, or bedpans.
The patient should flush the toilet twice after use, keeping the lid closed during flushing to prevent aerosolized splashing. If the patient uses a portable commode or bedpan, the caregiver should empty it into the toilet carefully to avoid splashing, and then wash the container thoroughly with soap and water while wearing gloves.
Soiled linens or clothing should be washed separately from the household laundry. If they cannot be washed immediately, place them in a sealed plastic bag until washing. Disposal of items like used dressings, disposable pads, or contaminated gloves requires “double-bagging”: placing the soiled item in a plastic bag, sealing it, and then placing that bag into a second sealed bag before discarding it.
Logistics: Food, Supplies, and Medication Organization
Thorough logistical preparation ensures that necessary resources are on hand before treatment begins. Designate a central, accessible location for all current medications, including chemotherapy drugs, anti-nausea medication, and pain relievers. Oral chemotherapy drugs must be stored in their original containers, away from other medications, and according to specific temperature instructions (e.g., refrigeration), as directed by the pharmacist.
Stocking the pantry with easy-to-digest, ready-to-eat foods addresses common side effects like appetite loss and nausea. Items like crackers, broths, applesauce, and bland proteins are helpful, alongside hydration supplies like electrolyte drinks and ginger tea. Disposable items, such as paper plates and cups, minimize the need for dishwashing during periods of high fatigue.
Essential medical supplies must be readily available for monitoring the patient’s health. A reliable digital thermometer is necessary, as a fever is often the first sign of serious infection in an immunocompromised patient. Stock the following items:
- Disposable gloves
- Hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol
- Unscented lotions for dry skin
- A system for tracking symptoms and medication administration