Caring For The Elderly Following Surgery

If your loved one is facing surgery, it is necessary to be well prepared. Below you will find the essential steps to take in order to ensure a successful post-op recovery:

Have someone accompany the patient to all doctor's appointments for support
Make sure that the patient maintains the recommended level of physical activity to help facilitate the healing process
Make sure that the patient takes his or her medication on time
Provide the necessary assistance for when the patient needs to bathe and get dressed
Have transportation arranged for follow-up appointments

Additionally, a home care nurse or staff member can help closely monitor the patient's health, looking out for fluctuations in:

Weight
Physical activity
Diet and nutrition
Overall health

While lack of proper supervision can hinder the recovery period for a patient, the elderly may require a more significant amount of attention. It is not uncommon that elderly patients have trouble sleeping and take a longer period of time to regain strength after an operation. These patients may also not have the desire to eat or move around much, habits that can be detrimental to their recovery and overall health. The right exercises and health maintenance activities will allow for a timely recuperation. Keep in mind that the elderly may also need more general emotional and physical support in order to make a full recovery.

Always There Home Care can help you and your elderly family member in times when you may need that additional support. In addition to ensuring patients follow all required medical instructions, our caregivers provide companionship and serve as an overall source of comfort.