What Happens When a Homesteader Gets Sick?

If you've spent any time homesteading, you know preparedness is about more than stocking the pantry, stacking firewood, and getting ready for winter.

Sometimes the biggest challenge is simply having someone in the family get sick.

And when that happens, the last thing you want is to be digging through bathroom cabinets looking for a thermometer or making a long drive to town for basic supplies.

Whether you live on five acres, run a small family farm, or are just starting your homesteading journey, setting up a simple sick room before flu season can make life a whole lot easier.

You don't need a hospital room. You just need a plan and a few essential supplies.

Here's what I recommend having ready.

1. Put Together a Sick Room Supply Kit

Start with a plastic storage tote or dedicated cabinet where you can keep everything together.

Stock it with:

• Digital thermometer and extra batteries.

• Tissues and disposable trash bags.

• Hand sanitizer and disposable gloves.

• Flashlight or battery-powered lantern.

• Notebook and pens.

• Phone charger.

• Small lined trash can.

Keep everything in one place so you're not searching the house when someone is running a fever at two in the morning.

2. Check Your Medicine Cabinet

Don't wait until someone gets sick to discover that your medications are expired.

Check expiration dates and keep appropriate supplies on hand, including:

• Acetaminophen and ibuprofen, when appropriate.

• Saline nasal spray.

• Throat lozenges.

• Suitable cough remedies.

• Oral rehydration solution.

• Children's medications and proper measuring syringes.

Always follow package directions and consult a healthcare professional when you're unsure about medications or dosing.

Remember to check combination cold medicines for overlapping ingredients. Never guess at children's doses, and keep all medications secured away from children.

3. Stock Up on Hydration Supplies

Fever, sweating, vomiting, and diarrhea can all lead to dehydration.

Keep drinking water, electrolyte packets, and commercial oral rehydration solutions available.

It's also helpful to have simple foods ready, such as:

• Chicken broth.

• Crackers.

• Applesauce.

• Oatmeal.

• Other easy-to-digest foods.

When someone feels miserable, they may not have much appetite. Having simple options available makes caring for them easier.

4. Get Your Humidifier Ready

If you own a cool-mist humidifier, clean it and make sure it's working before flu season begins.

Properly maintained humidifiers may help relieve discomfort from dry air and congestion.

Follow the manufacturer's cleaning instructions, replace water regularly, and avoid excessive indoor humidity.

Don't wait until somebody is coughing all night to discover your humidifier has been sitting in storage with dirty water in it!

5. Set Aside Extra Bedding and Towels

You'll appreciate having clean linens ready when someone gets sick.

Set aside:

• Two extra sets of sheets.

• Pillowcases.

• A washable blanket.

• Bath towels and washcloths.

• A separate drinking cup or water bottle.

Keep these supplies together so they're easy to find.

Wash used linens regularly with detergent, avoid shaking contaminated laundry, and wash your hands afterward.

6. Create a Bedside Care Station

A small bedside table or tray can make caring for a sick family member much easier.

Keep tissues, drinking water, a trash container, a clean washcloth, a phone charger, and a notebook nearby.

If the person is able, this arrangement lets them take care of some basic needs without constantly calling for help.

Keep medications secured separately, especially when children are in the house.

7. Decide Where the Sick Person Will Stay

You may not have a spare bedroom, but it's worth deciding ahead of time where someone will recover.

Ideally, choose a room with a door, good ventilation, and convenient bathroom access.

If possible, keep the sick person separated from other household members to reduce exposure.

Wash hands regularly, avoid sharing towels and drinking glasses, and clean frequently touched surfaces.

Use ventilation and well-fitting masks when appropriate.

8. Make a Plan for Keeping the Homestead Running

Here's something that makes homesteading different from living in town: the chores don't stop just because somebody gets sick.

The chickens still need feeding, the livestock need water, and the woodstove still needs attention.

Make a list of essential daily responsibilities and teach another household member how to handle them.

Think about:

• Feeding and watering livestock.

• Collecting eggs.

• Feeding pets.

• Checking water systems.

• Managing heating systems.

• Preparing simple meals.

If you're the only person who knows how to handle certain chores, now is the time to teach someone else.

9. Keep Medical Information Handy

When someone is sick, you don't want to waste time searching for important information.

Keep a folder containing medication lists, allergies, medical conditions, healthcare provider phone numbers, pharmacy information, and emergency contacts.

If you live in a rural area, make sure everyone knows the location of the nearest emergency department.

Also, keep emergency numbers readily available.

10. Know When to Call for Medical Help

Being self-sufficient doesn't mean handling every illness at home.

Seek emergency medical attention for difficulty breathing, persistent chest pain, new confusion, inability to stay awake, blue or gray lips, or other signs of serious illness.

People at higher risk of complications, including young children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with certain medical conditions, may need medical advice early.

If influenza is suspected in someone at increased risk, contact a healthcare professional promptly. Prescription antiviral medications work best when started early.

Never let the distance to town keep you from seeking necessary medical care.

Final Thoughts

Homesteading is about taking care of your household and being prepared for the unexpected. That includes illness.

A sick room doesn't have to be fancy or expensive. It can be a spare bedroom, a corner of the house, or simply a well-organized storage tote filled with essential supplies.

The important thing is to prepare before someone gets sick.

Because when flu season arrives, the last thing you want to be doing is driving into town looking for a thermometer, fever medicine, and clean sheets.

A little preparation now can make a difficult week much easier for the entire family.