Creating Calm: Home Environments That Support Physical Recovery

Want to help someone heal faster after a hospital stay?

The environment you create when you recover matters significantly more than most realize. A relaxing and properly set up home can mean the difference between a recovery going well or a long painful process. Plus.... You have virtually complete control over your environment.

In this article, we're going to discuss step by step how to make your home a healing home for your body.

Let's jump in!

What's Covered Below:

• Why Your Home Environment Matters For Recovery
• The Rooms That Need The Most Attention
• Simple Changes That Make A Big Difference

Why Your Home Environment Matters For Recovery

Recovering at home isn't just more comfortable. It actually works better.

There's actual data to support this statement. From one poll, 56% of participants reported that patients heal quicker at home vs. the hospital. That's significant. When you sit down and really think about it, it all makes sense.

Hospitals are loud. Hospitals are bright at odd hours. Staff will come and check vitals all night. Patients are at risk for contracting an infection. None of that promotes recovery for exhausted bodies.

Now think about home. Your home. Familiar faces. Your bed. Peace and quiet. Family close by. The body unwinds, stress dissipates and recovery can happen much faster.

Of course, there's another side to this story as well. When we spend time recovering at home from medical treatment, it's often because something went wrong while we were in a doctor's care. Sometimes this "something" could have been avoided. Family members who are suffering from a failed procedure or misdiagnosis will often reach out to someone who has experienced medical negligence cases before, particularly when they're facing the most difficult type of malpractice – wrongful death. It's not a fun topic to talk about, but it is relevant. Medical malpractice is even thought to be the third-leading cause of death in America. So it's important to know your options.

Granted, most of this article focuses on the good... How to create a healthy building for recovery.

Keep in mind that a properly designed recovery space can help reduce stress levels, decrease fall risk and promote better sleep. Each of these are monumental when it comes to physical recovery.

The Rooms That Need The Most Attention

Not every room needs a full makeover.

You want to concentrate on the rooms the recovering person spends time in. Typically there are three of these. Here's a breakdown of each.

The Bedroom

This is where the real healing happens.

Sleep is when your body does the majority of its repair, so your bedroom should be a relaxing sanctuary. Focus on these things:

• Block out light: Use curtains that block out light completely.
• Keep it quiet: Move noisy devices out and consider a white noise machine.
• Easy access: Make sure water, medication, and a phone are within arm's reach.
• Comfortable temperature: A slightly cool room helps most people sleep better.

Make the bedroom as dark, quiet and distraction-free as possible.

The Bathroom

The bathroom is where most home accidents happen.

Slippery floors and hard surfaces don't mix well with weakened/unsteady people. A couple simple home modifications can make a world of difference:

• Add grab bars near the toilet and in the shower
• Put down non-slip mats
• Use a shower chair to save energy
• Keep a nightlight on for late night trips

These are not costly repairs. But they could stop a fall that could delay recovery for weeks.

The Living Space

This is where recovering people spend their daytime hours.

You want the room to feel spacious, tranquil, and easy to navigate. Remove clutter and trip hazards such as loose rugs or cords. Designate one comfortable place to sit that has good back support for reading or relaxing throughout the day.

Simple Changes That Make A Big Difference

You don't need to spend a fortune to build a healing home.

Some of the simplest changes cost nothing. Here are some of my favourite no-cost ways to promote calm and recovery.

Let The Light In

Natural light is one of the most underrated healing tools.

Sunlight will regulate your internal clock which helps you sleep better and feel better. It won't cost you a dime and all you have to do is open your blinds during the day. Whenever possible, arrange the resting area near a window.

Why does this work? Great sleep and a good mood are two of the biggest factors in physical recovery. Light can help with both.

Clear The Clutter

A messy space creates a messy mind.

Messiness isn't simply irritating. It's an actual hazard if you have trouble with your balance. De-cluttering floors and pathways accomplishes two tasks:

• It lowers stress and creates a sense of calm
• It removes fall hazards that could cause serious injury

You might not think this is important, but it is. Falls account for a large percentage of set steps in recovery and having a clutter-free home eliminates that risk.

Bring In Nature

Plants, flowers, and even a nice view can speed up healing.

Research has consistently demonstrated that time in nature reduces stress and promotes quicker recovery from ill health. You don't need acres of land. A few potted plants on a windowsill or a seat positioned to view green space outdoors will suffice.

Keep The Air Fresh

Clean air helps the body do its job.

Resting at home allows you to skip out on the germy waiting room filled with sick people. It's definitely an advantage. After all, home recovery is associated with a 44% decrease in hospital readmissions. But you should still aim to keep your home's air clean and flowing. Crack open those windows when possible. Change the air filters frequently. Eliminate dust and odors.

Bringing It All Together

A calm home is one of the most powerful recovery tools you have.

Healing is hard. It requires time and energy. But you can have that space around you work with you or against you. When you implement a few simple changes, you allow the body to heal itself.

To quickly recap:

• Focus on the bedroom, bathroom, and living space first
• Let in natural light and keep the air fresh
• Clear clutter and remove fall hazards
• Add a touch of nature wherever you can

None of this is difficult. It just requires some consideration and some elbow grease.

And remember... A recovering body is already working overtime. Let's at least give it a palace that works just as hard for it.

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