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Bringing a Loved One Home with Leukemia: Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Safe, Healing Environment

Updated: May 4

By The Natalie Strong Foundation

When your loved one is discharged from the hospital after a leukemia diagnosis—especially during or after chemotherapy—they return home not just to rest, but to heal in one of the most important spaces of all: their own environment. But leukemia treatment, particularly chemotherapy, suppresses the immune system. This makes even normal household conditions potentially risky. The good news? With intentional steps and a few key items, you can transform your home into a safe, calm space that promotes recovery and minimizes infection risk.

Why This Matters

Patients with leukemia—especially when severely neutropenic (low white blood cell/neutrophil counts)—are highly vulnerable to bacteria, viruses, and fungi. Something as simple as an unwashed hand, stale air, or a shared fork can lead to serious complications.

This guide will walk you through setting up your home, room by room, with practical tips and essential tools to protect and comfort your loved one.

🏠 Whole-House Preparation (SEE BELOW FOR PRINTABLE CHECKLIST)

Deep Clean the House Before Arrival
  • Hire professionals or do a thorough clean of floors, surfaces, windowsills, vents, and bathrooms.
  • Focus on removing dust, mold, and pet dander.
  • Avoid strong chemical cleaners—opt for fragrance-free, non-toxic disinfectants.

Change All HVAC Filters
  • Use HEPA-rated AC filters.
  • Replace every 30–60 days during active treatment.
  • If possible, install individual room air purifiers with HEPA and carbon filters—especially in the bedroom and main living space.

Consider UV Air Filtration Systems
  • UV-C systems (like those used for baby bottle sterilization) neutralize airborne bacteria and viruses.
  • Install portable UV-C air purifiers in rooms with limited airflow.
  • Ask your care team for approved brands or safety guidelines.

The Bedroom: Safe & Restful
Designate a Clean, Low-Traffic Room
  • Limit foot traffic and avoid having pets enter this room.
  • Use washable bedding and remove excess furniture/clutter to reduce dust buildup.
  • Keep windows closed or covered with hypoallergenic screens if fresh air is allowed.

Air Purifier
  • Place a HEPA + UV air purifier in the room and run it continuously.
  • Clean the unit filters regularly according to manufacturer instructions.

Essential Hygiene Station
  • Set up a table or caddy with:
    • Fragrance-free hand sanitizer
    • Alcohol wipes
    • Disposable masks
    • Disposable gloves (for caregiver use)
    • Tissues & trash bin with lid

Bathroom Safety
Assign One Bathroom (if possible)
  • Disinfect toilet, sink, handles, and shower daily with diluted bleach or hospital-grade disinfectant.
  • Replace toothbrush weekly or use disposable brushes.
  • Keep liquid hand soap readily available (bar soap can harbor bacteria).
  • Use paper towels or single-use hand towels.

Kitchen & Food Precautions
No Shared Utensils or Cups- I cannot emphasize this enough.
  • Set aside a separate set of utensils, plates, and glasses just for the patient.
  • Wash with hot, soapy water or in the dishwasher after each use.

Avoid Eating Out - This one is very important. Not worth the risk.

  • Even takeout can carry foodborne risks.
  • Cook fresh, home-prepared meals. No raw fruits/veggies unless approved (they must be scrubbed and peeled).
  • No sushi, deli meats, soft cheeses, buffets, or anything unpasteurized.
  • Maintain a dedicated food thermometer to ensure all meats are cooked thoroughly.

Clean Countertops & Handles Frequently
  • Wipe down with disinfecting wipes or diluted bleach after every meal prep.
  • Keep sponges sanitized or switch to disposable cleaning cloths.

Daily Living & Extra Precautions

Hand Hygiene Is Non-Negotiable
  • Every person entering the home must wash their hands or sanitize.
  • Place hand sanitizer pumps at the entrance of every main room.

Limit Visitors
  • Anyone sick or recently exposed to illness should stay away.
  • Keep visits brief, and ideally outdoors or in well-ventilated rooms.
  • Ask visitors to wear masks and sanitize hands upon arrival.

Laundry
  • Wash clothes, bedding, and towels in hot water.
  • Use a mild, fragrance-free detergent.
  • Don’t shake dirty laundry—place directly into the wash.

Neutropenic Emergency Plan Important!

When neutropenic, even a small fever (100.4°F/38°C) is urgent.
  • Post your oncologist’s emergency number in key areas.
  • Keep a go-bag with essentials in case you need to return to the hospital quickly. Trust me I didn't think I'd need one...I did now keep it in my truck.

    Monitor for:
    • Fever
    • Mouth sores
    • Chills
    • Sudden fatigue or weakness
    • Bleeding or bruising

Essential Supplies Checklist

Here’s a quick shopping list to set up your home:
  •  Fragrance-free hand sanitizer
  •  Liquid hand soap
  •  HEPA air purifier (per floor, ideally per room)
  •  UV-C air sterilizers (especially for bedroom/living area)
  •  Disposable gloves and masks
  •  Bleach-based or hospital-grade disinfectant wipes
  •  Paper towels
  •  Dishwasher-safe or disposable utensils
  •  Digital thermometer
  •  No-touch trash cans with lids
  •  Mild fragrance-free laundry detergent
  •  Bottled water (if your home’s water quality is questionable)

The environment you create at home isn’t just about protection—it’s about love. Every step you take shows your commitment to healing, hope, and comfort. Remember, this is temporary depending on your journey this is only for the first 2 to 6 months. The neutropenic phase won’t last forever. As your loved one’s counts recover, these strict precautions will relax. But for now, these adjustments are vital and could make the difference between a safe recovery and a dangerous setback. Go nuclear. I mean it.

You’ve got this. They’ve got this. And your home—clean, calm, and prepared—is now part of the fight.



 
 
 

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