Chambers's Journal of Popular Literature, Science, and Art, Fifth Series, No. 39, Vol. I, September 27, 1884

No. 39.—Vol. I.
Price 1½ d.
SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 27, 1884.
BY A LADY.
In our last paper we spoke of the choice of a sick-room; we shall now proceed to discuss its management. In commencing to nurse a case that promises to be anything like lengthy, it is well to consider how to save unnecessary dust and unnecessary labour, whilst keeping the room in its proper state of cleanliness. With this end in view, heavy woollen draperies, retaining dust and bad smells, should be avoided; and if curtains are used at all, they should be of lace, or some light, washing material. The best chairs are those with simple wooden frames and cane seats and backs. Should a sofa be necessary, and a regular invalid couch not procurable, nothing is better than a chair-bed—provided it does not creak—fitted with washing-covers to its cushions. Much has been said for and against the use of carpets in a sick-room; and taking all into consideration, we see no reason for changing our opinion that, in ordinary cases, it is better to let them remain; they make a room pleasanter and more natural, and do away with the noise of scrubbing, incidental to a boarded floor.
If there are cupboards, they should be cleaned out before beginning to nurse, and in no case must they be used as receptacles for food or for anything that has become soiled in using. A chest of drawers is a comfort if used with discretion; but in home-nursing, it often proves the reverse of useful, and serves as a treasury for all sorts of things which have no business in a sick-room.
Pictures have a brightening effect, but they must hang straight, or your patient may worry himself with endless efforts to make them fit in with the pattern of the paper; though, if possible, the paper should be without those decided markings which so often add to the distress of unduly sensitive nerves.
Growing-plants have a cheerful look, and are not deleterious, as many suppose; cut flowers may also be indulged in, with the exception of those which have a heavy, sickly smell; but it is better to remove them at night. In summer, it is necessary to take precaution against the patient’s being disturbed by the buzz of insects; a fly-catcher at the open window will generally be sufficient; but such things in the room itself are worse than useless.