Sickness In The Home

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 162, 5 April 1938, Page 5

Sickness In The Home

In The Interests Of the Family, Every Woman Should Have Nursing Knowledge THE nurse must have simplicity and a single eye to the patient’s good; she must make no demand upon the patient for reciprocation, for acknowledgment, or even for appreciation of her services since the best service a nurse can give is that the patient shall scarcely be aware of any—shall perceive her presence only by perceiving that he has no wants. —Florence Nightingale. gVERY woman should have a knowledge of nursing. In the interests of the well-being of the family such a knowledge is of vital importance as it adds greatly to the sum of human happiness. Sooner or later sickness occurs in the home and if one has nursing knowledge, particularly in the country where often it is difficult and impossible to secure immediate medical or nursing services, measures can be taken to protect the family and in the words of Florence Nightingale, to help the patient to live.” In any case, a sound knowledge of nursing is a great asset to every woman and broadens and increases her sphere of usefulness throughout life.

QNE comes across many illustrations of this where women with a knowledge of nursing gained from attending classes at the Red. Cross of St. John Ambulance Societies have settled in a country district. Such women have rendered invaluable service in the case of sickness or accident. The truth of the old maxim “knowledge is power,” is particularly obvious in the treatment of the sick and injured. Enthusiastic service without knowledge in such matters is greatly handicapped. First of all it might be stressed that to be happy and successful we must keep well, and that many of the premature ills that flesh is heir to can be prevented if we only take care in time. Prevention lies in well j balaneed activity of mind and body. Now another important means of prevention of serious illness is proper advice at the 'beginning. This should be obtained from the family doctor. Next, having seen the doctor, if the patient is to be kept in bed—some people will contemplate the removal of the sick one to hospital because it is upsetting the household. Granted in some cases this is the better plan, particularly if the illness is going- to mean surgical interference, but there are occasions on which those that are ill can be cared for in their own homes by their own people among their own surroundings provided this care is directed by expert advice as in nursing a little knowledge may prove dangerous. Some of the points on home nursing that every in- , telligent mother should know will now be considered. Tlie room: The room should be clean and the floor covering should be such that it can be swept without dust flying. An attractive room helps to keep the patient interested. So many people still think it necessary to more or less close the windows of the sick room. Plenty of fresh air, sunlight, brightness and cheerfulness are what are wanted, with blinds for shade when needed. Florence Nightingale states that the very first cauuou of nursing is to keep the air inside as fresh as the air outside, by night as by day, without chilling the patient. When the patient is old aud perhaps a chronic invalid, it is important to keep an even temperature in the room. <-

The bed: A single bed should be placed iu the best position' to secure air without draught, light without glare, quiet and cleanliness. The bed should have the bottom sheet w.ell turned in at the top of the mattress to prevent ridges, warm light clothes aud plenty of pillows are needed, so that tlie patient may be completely support-

ed. One of the greatest comforts to anyone lying on their back is the support of a pillow under the knees. Rubber sheets should be placed tinder the lower sheet if there is danger of soiling the mattress. If the patient is helpless a garment opened right down the back so that it can be taken bffi with little exertion is of assistance. Articles to be used by the patient should be carefully stored. A thermometer. and a watch with a second hand are needed. Medicine should be kept in a cupboard out of sight and reach of children. Every home should have a first aid outfit so as to have something always on hand which can be used safely in emergency. Diet: In the majority of instances unless otherwise ordered three light meals according to the diet ordered are sufficient, with perhaps fruit in th.e mornings, and afternoon tfea- Daintilycooked and served food with a sufficient variety is the ideal. An important aspect of feeding the sick is tjie giving of plenty of water. Medicine should always be given when ordered, every three or four hours, as the case may be. The bottle should be well shaken and the exact amount poured into a spoon or measuring glass, pouring away from the label side to avoid Spiling the-instructions. Washing, etc.: Anyone being confined to bed needs to be sponged all over daily, and face,, hands and back at tended to at least twice daily. Tlie back itself should be washed with warm, soapy water, dried thoroughly and rubbed with methylated spirit to which a little zinc or baracic power may be added. A person in. bed should be kept warm. Always see that a blanket is between the hot bottle and the patient. Particularly should this be watched for with children and elderly people. It is absolutely essential to see tlqit everything in the sick room is clean, and particularly your own hands. The importance of adequate hand-scrubbing cannot be over-estimated. Guard against conveying infection to yourself and to others. • There are few women who do not possess an innate ability to care for their own. It is part of the primitive mother instinct. This ability can be trained and developed if attention is given it. — (Contributed by the Department of Health.) [A leaflet containing advice to householders on the nursing of infectious diseases in their own homes can be obtained free by writing to the librarian, Department of Health.] £