Cancer and its treatment can cause you to feel fatigued, dizzy, and weak. They both can contribute to a loss of balance and an increased risk of infection. Needless to say, many people with cancer and even those going through treatment need to prioritize staying safe and secure at home.

Thankfully, there are plenty of safe, effective, and easy ways you and/or your caregiver can help you maintain your safety at home. It should be a sanctuary of comfort, and a place where you shouldn’t have to worry about your condition limiting you in any way. Rest and relaxation are important when it comes to recovering.

So, how can you ensure that relaxation at home by making sure it’s safe?

Let’s cover a few home safety tips you can use to maintain your independence and prioritize your well-being while dealing with cancer or going through treatment.

Home Modifications

One of the easiest ways for a person with cancer to boost their safety at home is to make some basic modifications. In most cases, there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy your independence with a few simple swaps. Some of the easiest ways to improve your safety by modifying things in your home include:

• Removing rugs
• Creating clear pathways in rooms
• Increasing the lighting
• Installing shower grab bars
• Utilizing small ramps throughout the home

As you can see, it doesn’t take a lot of DIY know-how or experience to make these changes, but they can end up making a big difference in your safety. You’ll reduce your risk of tripping and falling, and you’ll have more support when you’re doing everyday tasks like showering or going from room to room.

Hire a Caregiver

If you’re a person with cancer reading this and you don’t already have a caregiver, it might be time to consider hiring one. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a permanent situation, but a caregiver can help with everyday tasks and ensure your safety while you’re there. You’ll also enjoy some wonderful benefits, including:

• Companionship
• A greater sense of dignity
• Better health tracking
• Reassurance
• Flexibility

Caregivers can do just about anything. Maybe you need someone to run errands and do shopping for you, or just for someone to keep your environment clean. You can even consider working with a caregiver who has a medical background, so they can help to administer medications and make sure you’re staying active. Most home caregivers are well-versed in things like first aid, and they’ll know how to keep you safe or provide immediate assistance in case of an emergency.

There are countless caregiving sites online where you can find someone who will work with you and meet your needs. Or, consider asking your doctor for any recommendations they might have. Your caregiver could end up being a very close friend. Loneliness can be a huge problem for people with cancer or those going through treatment. We saw the consequences of that throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. A caregiver will not only be a companion, but a built-in support system that can make your days easier, safer, and more vibrant.

Steer Clear of Infection

People with cancer are often at a greater risk of developing an infection, which can complicate both the illness and treatment and make you much sicker. Keeping your home clean and as disinfected as possible is imperative. You shouldn’t have to feel like you’re walking on pins and needles in your own home because you’re worried about developing an infection.

However, you might not have the strength or energy to clean every day, either. A caregiver can help with that, but you can also do things to make life easier on yourself and keep harmful substances (and critters!) out of your home.

For example, you can reduce the risks of rodents and pests getting into your home and carrying in harmful bacteria by sealing up cracks and holes, making sure all food particles are cleaned up, and cleaning yourself and your clothes once you get inside if you’ve been spending some time outdoors. Being outside in nature is a fantastic way to boost your immune system, reduce stress, and improve your energy levels. But, don’t put yourself at risk of getting sick, injured, or bringing in bacteria. Take the proper precautions to protect yourself.

There’s no reason why people with cancer shouldn’t feel safe at home. Change can be hard to deal with, especially when it comes to modifying your home or bringing someone new in to help you with everyday tasks. However, your health needs to be your top priority, and to stay healthy, you also need to stay safe.

Keep these tips in mind and don’t be afraid to reach out for help if you need it. With a few changes (and additions), you’ll feel safer and more comfortable at home than ever.