CARE OF AN INVALID

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20480, 4 February 1930, Page 16

CARE OF AN INVALID

HINTS FROM A NURSING HOME Those of us who have convalesced after illness or an operation in a nursing home quickly notice many little things which, unimportant in themselves, yet have much to do with the patient's comfort; things one does not think of if one has no great experience of professional nursing and sick-room management.

- When the air of the room is tainted with the odour of antiseptic dressings, the cigarettes smoked by visitors, or a bonfire, road tar, or some other outside agent wafted through the window, a few lavender stalks broken into a little pyre in the hearth, and a match put to them, spread tlie refreshingly sweet, perfume of burning lavender, which eclipses the other sme'l.

A light screen forms part of the furnishings of the room, and when the patient takes the usual after-lunch nap it is opened between the bed arid the direct, light of the window, a better arrangement than a drawn curtain, which shuts out air arid produces a depressing dimness. The scieen also keeps off draughts while the window is wide open to admit plenty of fresh air. The patient who may sit up in bed is given a number of pillows of the usual size, rather than a fat bolster and an extra-big pillow. They can be more comfortably tucked in at the back atirl sides to support the shoulders and spine. A pillow under the. knees is a help. Lying on one side or the other, and sitting up, often creates a soreness. Rubbing with methylated spirit is the nursing home tip. Doors and doorposts are edged with strips of felt, tacked or attached with drawing-pins, so that the door does not bang enough to disturb the patient il it closes sharply. A little night-light is left in the room all night, carefully shaded from the sleeper s eyes. The vases of flowers and growing plants, which make the room gay during the daytime, are banished into the passage outside at night. 'J hey do not make a wholesome atmosphere in a closed room. The water in vases is changed regularly every morning, ana onlv the freshest flowers are returned.

Flowers in the room with an operation case very soon fade. Anaesthetics have the worst effect upon them, and it is better not to have the flowers at all.

The staff of a nursing home entering a patient's room always wear a cheerful expression. Their voices are bright, and there is no "grouse" or sign of depression to disturb the patient's mind. It should be remembered that a sick person is not one to go to for sympathy and encouragement.' An optimistic spirit must be brought with unfailing regularity to the presence of anyone who is convalescent. Experienced nurses know only too well that it is as important to help the mental outlook of a patient as to minister to physical needs.