Using Radio And Television To Calm Hospice Patients With Various Conditions

A stay in hospice for a friend or family member can be extremely stressful, and the question always remains, "How can I make him/her more comfortable?" This question is answered in large part by frequent visits and painkillers in the overwhelming majority of cases, but these might not cover all the bases for those who can't always be there around the clock or for patients who may have refused painkillers. In cases like these, or in any case where you may be wondering where and how you can do more, turning to media like radio and television can provide a calming form of compassion for patients suffering from a wide variety of illnesses and conditions. 

Radio for Patients on Morphine/Pain Relievers

Many patients on morphine and lots of painkillers can drift in and out of consciousness, or even experience hallucinations that can be uncomfortable or even scary for some. In order to help to quell these side effects, especially for those who may have a tough time distinguishing between reality and imagination, setting up a radio or book on tape can have a very calming effect. During a moment of clarity, asking the patient about a favorite radio station can be an added bonus, or talk radio when all else fails, since some perceived added company can be more calming than just classical or jazz music. 

Television for Alzheimer's Patients

It's common knowledge that Alzheimer's patients can often be transported back to their childhood or adolescence, and it can be hard, frustrating, and even impossible to bring them back to the modern day mentally. Therefore, sympathizing with someone with advanced dementia can be very comforting for patients, as was seen a few years ago in Chicago when improv comedy troupes were used to bring comfort to patients with early and late stage Alzheimer's. To bring this therapeutic effect into a patient's room, setting up an old movie or television show from the patient's youth can bring them to a comfortable mental place where they can forget about their constant confusion for a while. 

The great thing about this way to comfort patients is that it's simply so dynamic, especially today with the advent of online streaming and huge video libraries dating back nearly a century. Something as simple as an online subscription can provide weeks or even months of entertainment and comfort for a patient suffering from Alzheimer's from the comfort of their own bed. Contact a business, such as Corner Home Medical, for more tips on calming your patients. 


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