Senior Surgery Recovery: In-Home Care Tips for Caregivers & Seniors
Recovering from surgery is a full-time job for seniors and their caregivers. Recovery involves reducing the risk of infection and health hazards as well as getting plenty of rest.
Whether you’re a patient or a family caregiver who wants to help your loved one make a full recovery, these tips and tricks will help. Here’s how you can care for yourself or a senior loved one at home after an operation.
Prepare the Environment Before the Procedure
Don’t wait until you’re out of the hospital to start prepping your environment. You’ll need a comfortable place to rest where you can easily access hydration, snacks, and medical supplies. Your surgeon should give you a list of things to stock up on before the procedure.
If you’re a caregiver, try to arrange these things while your loved one is undergoing surgery. It’s a good idea to place an end table by their recovery bed filled with snacks and drinks. You can also supply them with books, magazines, and other things to keep them entertained.
Clear hallways and rooms to ensure your loved one doesn’t trip and fall. Falls can be especially dangerous for seniors after surgery.
Make Bathing and Toileting Areas Accessible
If you don’t already have an accessible shower and toilet, now is the time to set that up.
Depending on the type of surgery your loved one is having, they may not be able to hold themselves up as easily as before. Consider adding safety handles, shower rails, and non-slip mats in the bathroom. Be prepared to help them bathe and shower as needed.
Always dry the bathroom floor and surrounding surfaces after a bath or shower to prevent slip risks.
Toilets that sit higher off the ground are usually more accessible for seniors with mobility restrictions. If necessary, consider purchasing a portable urinal so your loved one can stay in bed as much as possible.
Follow the Doctor’s Medication Regimen
Your loved one may be prescribed pain relievers or other medications after their surgery. Make sure you follow this routine exactly as it’s prescribed. This is key to preventing infection and other surgery complications.
Pick up your loved one’s prescriptions as soon as they are available through the hospital or nearby pharmacy. Familiarize yourself with these prescriptions: when does the patient need to take each pill, and how often? Keep the pills organized to avoid confusion and incorrect dosing.
Use Assistive Devices and Medical Supplies
Supplies like gauze, bandages, creams, and ointments can make surgery recovery much easier. Your loved one may even be prescribed antibiotic creams or ointments that require multiple applications daily.
Change your loved one’s bandages and gauze wrappings as often as directed by their surgeon. Waiting too long can cause infections and increase your loved one’s discomfort.
They may also need assistive devices to help them get around. Items like a walker, crutches, or a wheelchair can significantly improve their recovery experience. Consider adding a safe chair to the shower to reduce their standing time as well.
Arrange for Meal Prep, Delivery, or Easy Meals
Now is the time to take advantage of meal delivery and preparation services. If you don’t have access to these, you can buy canned or frozen pre-made meals and sides for your loved one. They’ll be busy recovering and you’ll have a lot to do as their caregiver, so easy meals are key during this time period.
You can still make convenient meals nutritious. Try to include a serving or two of fruits and vegetables with every meal. Pay close attention to any dietary restrictions your loved one may have after surgery.
Hire In-Home Help
In-home senior care can take the weight of surgery recovery off of seniors and their loved ones. Having someone around to help with household tasks and personal care ensures your loved one gets a full, proper recovery. These valuable services also reduce family caregiver burnout and improve the quality of your time with your loved one.
Make the Postoperative Period Comfortable and Safe for Your Senior Loved One
Seniors have unique medical considerations and restrictions after surgery. Setting up their environment for success is key to a healthy, comfortable recovery. In-home aid can make the process even easier for everyone involved.
Pay attention to your loved one’s behavior and comfort as they recover. Contact their doctor with any concerns you have and attend follow-up appointments as needed.
If you or your family member is considering in-home care as part of a plan to age in place, contact Family Matters In-Home Care today for a free consultation. Our team is dedicated to supporting your family and helping older adults enjoy life in the comfort of their own home for as long as possible.
Some of the services offered by Family Matter In-Home Care include: Alzheimer’s & Dementia Care, Bed & Wheelchair Transfer Assistance, Companionship, Housekeeping & Meal Preparation, Personal Care, Recovery Care, and Transportation.
Serving the San Francisco Bay Area and Greater San Diego, Family Matter In-Home Care has offices throughout California.
