Daily Care & Home Modifications Guide

Preparing the Home Before Discharge

Bringing your child home after an anoxic brain injury can feel overwhelming. You may feel relieved to be together again but anxious about managing daily care. Preparing your home ahead of time can ease the transition and help you feel more confident in caring for your child.

  1. Set Up a Safe & Accessible Home Environment

Create a Care Area

  • Choose a space in your home where your child will spend most of their time. This might be a bedroom or a mainliving area where they can be close to family.

  • Consider having a hospital bed if your medical team recommends, as it allows for easier positioning, transfers, and care.

  • Keep essential medical supplies nearby (e.g., suction machine, pulse oximeter, feeding supplies).

  • Have a comfortable seating option for caregivers, as daily care can be physically demanding.

Prepare for Mobility Needs

  • Clear pathways for wheelchairs or other mobility devices.

  • Remove rugs and unnecessary furniture to prevent tripping hazards.

  • Consider ramps if your child is in a wheelchair and there are steps into the home.

  • Install grab bars near the bed, bathroom, and anywhere else necessary.

Ensure Proper Lighting & Quiet Areas

  • Good lighting can help children with visual impairments or sensory sensitivities.

  • Designate a quiet, calm area where your child can rest and recover.

  1. Medical Equipment & Supplies

Before discharge, your medical team will provide recommendations for equipment and supplies. Some common items include:

Feeding Equipment (if the child has a G-tube or requires enteral feeding)

  • Feeding pump or gravity bags

  • Formula or blended diet supplies

  • Syringes for medication administration

Respiratory Support (if needed)

  • Suction machine for managing secretions

  • Oxygen tank or ventilator (if applicable)

  • Pulse oximeter to monitor oxygen levels

Positioning & Mobility

  • Specialized wheelchair or supportive seating

  • A stander if standing therapy is part of their recovery

  • Orthotics (AFOs) for positioning and muscle support

Therapy & Communication Aids

  • Adaptive communication devices (e.g., eye-tracking tablets, communication boards)

  • Sensory-friendly tools (weighted blankets, noise-reducing headphones)

  1. Organizing Daily Care & Support

Develop a Care Routine

  • Establish a predictable schedule for medications, therapy, feeding, and sleep.

  • Keep a daily log to track symptoms, meals, medications, and bowel movements.

  • Use alarms and reminders for medication and feeding times.

Arrange for Home Health Services

  • Many families qualify for home nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy.

  • Ask about a case manager or social worker who can help coordinate these services.

Build a Caregiver Support System

  • Identify family members, friends, or respite caregivers who can help.

  • Learn how to safely transfer, lift, and position your child to prevent caregiver injury.

  • Find local or online support groups for parents in similar situations.

Adjusting Once Home: Home Modifications & Available Equipment

  1. Bedroom & Sleeping Arrangements

  • Hospital Bed – Adjustable beds help with positioning, transfers, and nighttime care.

  • Bed Rails & Safety Padding – Prevents falls if your child moves unpredictably.

  • Mattress Overlays & Positioning Pillows – Helps prevent pressure sores if your child has limited mobility.

  1. Bathroom Accessibility

Shower & Bath Modifications

  • A shower chair or commode chair – Allows safe bathing without full transfers.

  • Handheld shower head – Makes bathing easier for caregivers.

  • Non-slip mats & grab bars – Prevents falls and enhances stability.

Toilet Modifications

  • Raised toilet seat for easier transfers.

  • Transfer bars for additional Support.

  • Bedside commode if reaching the bathroom is difficult.

  1. Mobility & Positioning Support

  • Wheelchair & Adaptive Strollers – Your child may need a custom-fitted wheelchair for proper Support.

  • Gait Trainer or Walker – If physical therapy is working on standing or walking.

  • Hoyer Lift or Ceiling Track Lift – If your child is non-ambulatory, these help with transfers to beds, wheelchairs, and bath areas.

  • Standing Frames – Help with circulation and muscle strength for children unable to stand on their own.

  1. Feeding & Mealtime Aids

  • Specialized Feeding Chairs – Provides trunk and head support for safe eating.

  • Adaptive Utensils & Cups – Weighted or angled utensils for children with limited motor control.

  • Blender or Food Processor – If transitioning to a blended diet from formula.

  1. Communication & Cognitive Support

  • AAC Devices (Augmentative & Alternative Communication) – If your child is non-verbal or has trouble speaking.

  • Eye-Gaze Technology & Switches – Helps children communicate through movement.

  • Routine & Visual Schedules – Picture-based schedules to provide predictability.

  1. Sensory Considerations

Children with anoxic brain injuries often have heightened or diminished sensory responses. Consider:

  • Weighted Blankets & Compression Vests – For calming and body awareness.

  • Noise-Canceling Headphones – If they are sensitive to sound.

  • Fidget & Sensory Toys – Helps with engagement and self-regulation.

Final Thoughts: Preparing Emotionally & Practically

Transitioning home is not just about equipment—it's about adjusting emotionally. You may feel overwhelmed at first, but remember:

  • You are not alone. Many families have been where you are. Support groups, medical teams, and therapists can help.

  • Accept help. Whether from family, friends, or respite care, you deserve breaks.

  • Celebrate small victories. Every bit of progress—no matter how small—is worth recognizing.

  • Allow time for adjustment. Your home routine may take time to develop, and that's okay.