Medical Centers that do Dialysis and/or Infusions
 

Neither I nor a close relative have had any of these treatments - but I keep reading about how cold the patients get while being treated -

Do these centers have blankets for the patients? If not, it seems odd to me that keeping the patient warm and comfortable is not taken into consideration.

I understand that having one's very own blanket/cover/quilt is comforting - but if one did not bring one's own cover/blanket/quilt - what do the patients do for warmth?

All facilities provide blankets for the patients. Depending on the facility, blankets may be kept in warming drawers that are a blessing. These are, of course, blankets that are thin cotton, industrial (hospital) type blankets that can be easily laundered and patients may have as many blankets as they need to keep wrapped. Quilts that are colorful, cheerful and distract from the procedure and surroundings are very welcome. These can be used alone or placed over the facility's blankets. Patients receiving chemo and/or blood transfusions may have to wait for the medication to be prepared or sent in from the facility's pharmacy or wait for a type/match on the blood. Blankets are available on request for the cold waiting room but it is much easier to have brought your own quilt. If anyone considers making a quilt, I would suggest a matching or coordinating tote bag with handles (the size of the reusable grocery totes) to carry the quilt. And I especially thank everyone who makes these. They were indeed a comfort for my husband.

the centers are kept cold for the same reason they keep hospitals cold.
it has something to do with reducing germs.

if they don't have their own blankets, the patients just have to endure the chill.
most centers don't have blankets in stock for them.

about two years ago, i donated about a dozen quilts to the center down the street from me.
the staff were very grateful.
the center couldn't keep them as inventory.
they gave them to patients they knew were short on funds.

Based on Patrice's reply, I stand corrected on the statement that all facilities provide blankets. The different facilities that my husband and father went to did provide the hospital-type blankets. I guess we live in a good area for that.

My mom had a neighbor who went to dialysis and he would bring blankets for others to use. I think he would get them at goodwill, etc. as the center did not provide them. He was a big guy so I don't think he personally needed one he was just thoughtful.

I'm familiar with dialysis patients.
If you are thinking of making quilts please make them warm, but light weight to carry. Blood stains are common and the quilts will be washed ALOT so make seams tight and topstitch the binding. No matter how bright and cheery a dialysis center is, it isn't fun. Colorful prints are helpful.


A thought for sewers: Patients wear sweatshirts most of the time and have to split a sleeve to expose their access. A Velcro closure is most helpful.

[QUOTE=

. A Velcro closure is most helpful.[/QUOTE]


Just remember to fasten it before you do laundry. I once had a Velcro close shirt. First time I took it out of the dryer it had 8 socks clinging to it.

When I had dialysis I always brought my own fleece blanket. When you go to your chair, you take a sheet with you to cover it. I guess if you didn't have a blanket they may let you take an extra sheet.

My dad always took a fleece blanket with him to dialysis. He was always cold.

I would talk to the dialysis unit and ask if they had some guidelines for the quilts or blankets they need.

I donated five quilts to be used by the chemo patients at my oncologist's office. The nurses and staff took them. One nurse told me which one she took because it matched the colors in her camper. That was about 4 years ago.

Now I donate quilts to be given to foster care in our county.