Winter in Phoenix, Arizona, brings relief from the extreme heat of summer. While the days can still be sunny and mild, the evenings tend to cool off quickly, which matters when someone is receiving care at home. For people going through at-home IV infusion during the winter months, even small drops in temperature or drier air can impact how they feel during and after treatment.
Comfort becomes even more important this time of year. From keeping the infusion area free of drafts to making hydration easier, little adjustments can go a long way. We’ve seen how simple changes in routine can help IV care feel gentler during these cooler months. The extra thought put into preparing the space and planning for comfort can show real care and make each treatment day less stressful, even if outside temperatures change throughout the day.
The season can also affect energy levels and how much a person wants to do. Shorter days mean more time indoors, so finding ways to add comfort and interest to the routine can help the person receiving care stay positive and at ease. Family members and caregivers who adapt their approach for the season help their loved ones feel safer and cozier while at home.
Keeping Warm Without Overheating
It’s important to keep the infusion area warm, but not too warm. While feeling cold is common during treatment, overheating can be just as uncomfortable. That balance matters.
• Use breathable blankets that provide warmth without trapping heat
• Keep the area where the infusion happens away from cold drafts, like under windows or near doors
• Soft socks, layered clothing, or microwavable heating pads on feet or hands can help, but always check with the care team first
We want the space to feel steady and safe. A consistent room temperature helps, but the way warmth is added, like through textures and soft layers, often matters most. It is helpful to check in with the person receiving care, offering to adjust layers or change their seating if needed. Allowing your loved one to decide what feels comfortable helps them feel more in control during treatment.
Avoid using lots of heavy blankets or turning up the heat too high. Instead, use gentle warmth by adding or removing small layers as needed. Try using lightweight throws rather than thick quilts, especially during infusions, and offer to reposition the person if a certain area starts to feel cold or hot. Simple changes, like moving a chair away from a window or adding a draft stopper at the base of a door, can make the infusion area more comfortable all winter long.
Staying Comfortable During Longer Infusions
Some infusions take more time, and sitting in one spot can feel tiring. A few thoughtful steps can make longer sessions more restful.
• Choose a supportive chair with pillows for the back and arms
• Set up soft lighting or background sounds, like music or an audiobook, to reduce stress
• If the person feels able, stretch the arms or neck in gentle ways between steps of treatment
Making sure someone is sitting comfortably helps the body relax. Even quiet environments can feel busy if things aren’t arranged well. We try to make these moments feel slow and settled, without constant shifting or repositioning.
Consider the position of the chair and surroundings so that your loved one can easily reach water or snacks if needed. Adding a small side table nearby can help keep needed items within reach, such as tissues, music players, or a good book. It’s uplifting to have a pleasant view, like a sunny spot or a favorite picture on the wall.
To avoid stiffness, gently encourage small shoulder rolls or moving the neck between steps, but only if it feels safe for the person. Helpful distractions, appropriate for the person’s needs, like listening to favorite songs or gentle background noise, can make longer sessions seem shorter and more manageable.
Having a routine for longer infusions can also help the person feel prepared. Remind them about how long a treatment might take, and offer ideas for activities to pass the time, such as listening to a calming podcast or paging through a photo album. Small comforts, like a comforting lap blanket or a special mug, help make IV days feel less clinical and more like home.
Watching for Signs of Dehydration in Dryer Winter Air
Dry air is common in desert winters, especially indoors where heating systems are running. While Phoenix doesn’t get cold like other places, the indoor air can still pull moisture from the skin and body.
• Encourage small sips of water, broth, or electrolyte drinks throughout the day
• If room-temperature drinks feel more soothing, keep a favorite cup nearby
• Add a humidifier or use items like lip balm and hand lotion to prevent dryness
For those receiving at-home IV infusion regularly, hydration plays a quiet but supportive role in comfort. Even if someone isn’t drinking large amounts, a little moisture here and there adds up. This practice gets easier when items are easy to access and offered without pressure.
In Phoenix, the dryness can sneak up, leaving lips or skin feeling uncomfortable before anyone realizes it. By offering moisturizing balms or using a humidifier, family and caregivers protect skin and help the person stay a little more comfortable as the days pass. Keeping gentle reminders nearby, like a water bottle on a tray or a small card that says “drink,” can help make hydration a calming part of the routine.
Offering fluids in varied forms, such as warm herbal teas in the afternoon or cool water in the morning, can make sipping feel special and not just another task. For those who are fussy about texture or taste, offer small choices so hydration feels like a treat. If strong flavors like citrus or mint don’t appeal, try mild broths or soft, room-temperature water. Making hydration part of the daily schedule, such as with each medication or after each rest, can also help ensure the person doesn’t get too dry or uncomfortable in the colder months.
American Premier Hospice provides skilled in-home infusion therapy in Phoenix, including IV antibiotics, fluids, pain management, and hydration, all delivered by experienced nurses. Medication administration is coordinated with physicians, and the care plan is tailored to each patient’s needs. The team ensures proper supply management and equipment setup for a smooth home care experience.
How Caregivers Can Help IV Days Feel Easier
Caregiving isn’t just about the medical side of the day. It’s also about how the space feels and how supported someone feels while receiving care.
• Wear and encourage clothes with loose sleeves or easy-to-move layers
• Set up the room before the nurse or care provider arrives to reduce wait time or shuffling
• Provide quiet support during rest times, whether that means reading nearby or just being present
These are small efforts, but they add up. When the space is calm and items are ready, the person receiving care can relax more easily. Reassurance comes not just in words, but in the way tasks are handled and how gently the day flows.
Caregivers can help by checking in politely to see if the person wants extra pillows, needs to move, or wants a change in the temperature. Even just offering to dim the lights or change the volume on background sounds can help the person settle. A sense of calm, shown by moving slowly and speaking softly, invites relaxation, easing the tension that sometimes comes with medical routines.
Before care begins, placing needed supplies in reach, tidying the room, and making sure phones or other distractions are turned down make everything smoother. The person receiving care may feel more comfortable asking for help if they know the environment is set up with their comfort in mind.
Being present in the room without hovering can also provide needed reassurance. Sometimes, a quiet activity nearby, such as knitting or reading, allows the caregiver to be close if needed while still respecting the person’s space. This can help the infusion feel less like a procedure and more like a gentle part of the day.
Winter Healing and Comfort at Home
Winter invites a slower pace. In a home where someone is receiving IV care, that natural shift can actually help. Shorter days and cooler evenings often encourage resting, which supports healing in its own way.
Pairing IV care with cozy surroundings brings warmth in more ways than temperature alone. We’ve seen how peace comes from the details: a favorite blanket, the view from a sunny window, or the softness of background sounds. These little things show someone they’re cared for, not just treated.
Simple touches, like offering to fluff a pillow, open blinds for more light, or suggest a new spot in the room, make each infusion less disruptive. The mindset of slowing down and adapting the space provides comfort for everyone involved. Encouraging small moments of quiet, or marking the end of a treatment with a comforting routine (like reading a few pages from a favorite book), also creates a stronger sense of safety and warmth in the home.
At American Premier Hospice, we prioritize your comfort and well-being during every treatment. Our at-home IV infusion services ensure you stay cozy and cared for throughout the winter months in Phoenix. With personalized attention and a focus on creating a calming environment, we help make your experience as seamless and stress-free as possible. Reach out to learn more about how we can support your home care needs.