Each year, countless seniors undergo surgery for a variety of conditions, from repairing a hernia, to hip replacement or major joint surgery. While these surgeries can help improve quality of life, it sometimes takes seniors a little while to get back on their feet. Understanding their pre- and post-operative care needs can help you make a plan to make their recovery as easy as possible. We’ll cover some practical tips for caring for seniors after surgery, including logistical, practical and even emotional concerns.
Planning Ahead: Discuss Post-Operative Care with the Doctor Before Surgery
If you are a caregiver for an elderly loved one who is scheduled to have surgery, be sure to discuss post-operative care with the doctor beforehand. This will help both you and your loved one be aware of what to expect and know what steps to take to ensure a smooth recovery.
Key Questions to Ask the Doctor
Prior to surgery, your doctor and medical team will likely share a lot of information about the procedure surgery itself, as well as preparations to take before and after your loved one’s surgery. Come prepared with a list of questions that might not be covered. Ask about any medications or recommendations for pain management, wound care and preventing infection.
In order to manage home care recovery, ask your doctor about any diet or mobility restrictions to consider. Before surgery, ask about any preparations that may need to be made to your loved one’s home during recovery. Some possible considerations include. equipping bathroom areas with a shower grab bar or adding temporary ramps to stairs. Lastly, inquire about any potential complications you should watch for, as well as scheduling any follow-up appointments.
In order to manage home care recovery, ask your doctor about any diet or mobility restrictions to consider. Before surgery, ask about any preparations that may need to be made to your loved one’s home during recovery. Some possible considerations include. equipping bathroom areas with a shower grab bar or adding temporary ramps to stairs. Lastly, inquire about any potential complications you should watch for, as well as scheduling any follow-up appointments.
Understanding Post-Surgery Expectations
Different surgeries require different degrees of post-surgical care. Age, pre-existing health conditions, and invasiveness of surgery are all factors that factor into recovery. Ask your doctor and medical care team about the typical recovery time expected for your type of surgery, as well as any lifestyle changes you’ll need to make during your recovery period. Ask about any limitations on your daily activities, potential complications and what support you may need from loved ones or caregivers.
Preparing for a Safe Recovery Environment at Home
Taking care of a senior after surgery can be a formidable task, but with some preparation and organization, it can be much more manageable—even enjoyable! Here are a few tips to help make the process easier before surgery and after!
Pre-Surgery Checklist for In-Home Care
Create a plan for care before surgery. This will help ensure that everything is taken care of when the senior is recovering from surgery.
- Ask for help from family or friends. They can provide support and help with tasks around the house.
- Make sure the home is safe for the senior to return to. Remove any tripping hazards and install grab bars in bathrooms as needed.
- Acquire home equipment for safety and comfort: Rent or purchase equipment that can make recovery easier and safer. Adjustable beds, non-slip mats and temporary ramps can aid safety and mobility during recovery.
- Stock up on supplies. Make sure your loved one has a full supply of bandages, medical tape, cold packs and medications before coming home from surgery. This will ensure that you have everything you need when you need it.
- Assist with medication schedules and doctors’ appointments. Helping to keep on track with doctor’s appointments and medication schedules can be a huge help.
- Prepare meals that are easy to digest. Having some meals on hand for after surgery will be a huge help. Avoid foods that are high in fat or sugar.
- Place items within easy reach. Make sure your senior’s important personal items (medications, glasses, hearing aids) are within easy reach!
- Reserve any aftercare equipment. If your senior will need a wheelchair or walker make sure you have these items ready for post-surgery needs.
- Day-of transportation. Make sure your loved one has reliable and accessible transportation on the day of surgery, as well as on the day they’re scheduled to come home.
- Prepare to give emotional support. Whether it’s a major or minor procedure, it’s normal to feel nervous about surgery. Help your loved one emotionally prepare for surgery and recovery. Set aside time to discuss the procedure and plans for recovery. Give them an open forum to express any fears they may have, offer relaxation techniques and proactively reach out to their friends and support system to be there for them before and after surgery, as needed.. Deliver encouragement, patience, and love as your loved one recovers from surgery.
After surgery, many seniors want to stay in their own homes. This can be a difficult transition, but with the right care and support, it can be a successful one.
Most seniors prefer to stay in their own homes after surgery, but they may require a little extra help to ensure a successful recovery. Here are some helpful tips for post-surgery care.
How Post Surgery In-Home Care Accelerates Healing and Saves Money
As a caregiver, you can help preserve a senior’s quality of life and feeling of independence. Healing at home can help reduce symptoms of depression and accelerate healing. Studies show that patients are less sedentary when they are healing at home rather than healing in a hospital or care center and that readmission rates were lower in patients that were healing at home.
Home healing not only promotes recovery but also significantly reduces healthcare costs. By providing high-quality care in the comfort of your home, you can help mitigate health risks and accelerate your loved one’s healing process. Providing hospital-quality care at home can help reduce certain health risks and help better the healing process for your loved one.
If you agree that you want to support the home healing of your loved one, but are concerned that you can’t supply hospital-quality care, consider contracting with a professional home-care team to help assist you with RN-level services. Transitioning from the hospital to the home can be a tricky process to manage on your own—there is help available!
Home healing not only promotes recovery but also significantly reduces healthcare costs. By providing high-quality care in the comfort of your home, you can help mitigate health risks and accelerate your loved one’s healing process. Providing hospital-quality care at home can help reduce certain health risks and help better the healing process for your loved one.
If you agree that you want to support the home healing of your loved one, but are concerned that you can’t supply hospital-quality care, consider contracting with a professional home-care team to help assist you with RN-level services. Transitioning from the hospital to the home can be a tricky process to manage on your own—there is help available!
Personalizing Your After Surgery Home Health Care Plan
Regardless of whether or not you decide to engage professional in-home care services, to find success with supporting your senior at home after surgery requires making a care plan. You can make this plan in conjunction with your loved one’s doctor to ensure you cover all the vital points of aftercare.
Take into consideration recovery goals, routines, and assigning responsibilities. Having clear expectations and goals to work toward during recovery can help your loved one make steady progress. Establishing daily routines and clear communication about family responsibilities can help you create a well-thought plan to support your loved one’s recovery.
You might also want to enlist the aid of a professional in-home caregiver to assist with certain responsibilities that your family is unable to cover. Professional in-home care services are available on a full-time or part-time basis.
Take into consideration recovery goals, routines, and assigning responsibilities. Having clear expectations and goals to work toward during recovery can help your loved one make steady progress. Establishing daily routines and clear communication about family responsibilities can help you create a well-thought plan to support your loved one’s recovery.
You might also want to enlist the aid of a professional in-home caregiver to assist with certain responsibilities that your family is unable to cover. Professional in-home care services are available on a full-time or part-time basis.
Important Components of a Post-Op Care Plan
Organizing all of the moving parts of your family member’s recovery is a big job. But with careful planning, you and your loved one’s care team can help pave a smoother path to recovery. There are medical, environmental, logistical and mental/emotional components to consider when planning for your loved one’s post-op recovery.
From a medical standpoint, make sure you understand what medications they’ll need to take and stock up on all necessary medications and supplies, such as bandages and wound dressings. You’ll also want to prepare their home environment and modify any areas for safety or comfort during recovery. Coordinating logistics involves arranging transportation to and from surgery, as well as to follow-up appointments or additional therapy, if therapy isn’t administered at home. And finally, make a plan to take care of the mental and emotional needs of your loved one during their recovery. Socialization and stimulation – such as playing games, crafting or conversations – can help boost their mood and outlook during recovery.
From a medical standpoint, make sure you understand what medications they’ll need to take and stock up on all necessary medications and supplies, such as bandages and wound dressings. You’ll also want to prepare their home environment and modify any areas for safety or comfort during recovery. Coordinating logistics involves arranging transportation to and from surgery, as well as to follow-up appointments or additional therapy, if therapy isn’t administered at home. And finally, make a plan to take care of the mental and emotional needs of your loved one during their recovery. Socialization and stimulation – such as playing games, crafting or conversations – can help boost their mood and outlook during recovery.
Setting Recovery Goals
Once you and your loved one are clear on what can be expected after surgery, you can start setting realistic recovery goals together. When there are benchmarks to work toward, recovery becomes more manageable both for your loved one and you - their caregiver. Every person’s goals and progress will look a little different, making it important to discuss realistic and measurable goals with your care team.
Goals such as regaining mobility and strength as well as managing and reducing pain levels can aid in boosting morale during recovery. In order to maintain a positive outlook, it’s important to set realistic timelines and schedule regular check-ins to track progress and adjust goals as needed.
Goals such as regaining mobility and strength as well as managing and reducing pain levels can aid in boosting morale during recovery. In order to maintain a positive outlook, it’s important to set realistic timelines and schedule regular check-ins to track progress and adjust goals as needed.
Involving Family Members in Care Planning
Family members play an important role in your loved one’s recovery. Often, you’ll know your loved one’s likes, dislikes, preferences and communication style, which can alert you if their recovery isn’t proceeding normally. There are so many ways that family caregivers can contribute to a care plan, including providing emotional support, mental stimulation, social interaction and more. From maintaining clear communication with your loved one’s doctors to helping with activities of daily living like getting dressed and meal preparation, there are many meaningful ways to help your loved one throughout their recovery.
The Need for Professional Home Care After Surgery
Depending on your loved one’s medical, practical and logistical needs following surgery, professional home care may be a necessary component of their recovery. Post-surgery home health care often provides the opportunity for a faster recovery with fewer complications. In-home health care can include skilled nursing staff to assist with medications and wound care or professional in-home caregivers that help with activities of daily living, transportation needs and companionship.
Navigating The Costs of Post-Surgery Home Care
Post-surgery home care costs vary by care level, duration and location. To make the best choice for your situation, talk with a trusted professional for an assessment of your loved one’s specific in-home care needs.
There are a number of options that can make the cost of in-home care more affordable for those who need it, including private insurance and long-term care insurance (LTCI). Some individuals may also qualify for military benefits or PACE (Program All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly). Discuss your options today with your current provider or one of our BrightStar Care professionals to discover what coverage options are available to you.
There are a number of options that can make the cost of in-home care more affordable for those who need it, including private insurance and long-term care insurance (LTCI). Some individuals may also qualify for military benefits or PACE (Program All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly). Discuss your options today with your current provider or one of our BrightStar Care professionals to discover what coverage options are available to you.
Emotional and Social Support During Recovery
While medical care and skilled nursing support is of great importance during post-op recovery, emotional and social support is equally important. Activities like reading, listening to music and creating art are all ways to create opportunities for mental stimulation. Companionship with friends, family, or a professional caregiver can all contribute to mental and emotional well-being and boost morale during your loved one’s recovery.
Tips for Taking Care of Seniors at Home After Surgery
- Understand and follow doctor's orders. The most important thing you can do is ensure you understand any post-op care instructions your loved one's doctor has prescribed. This is critical to their health and healing.
- Make sure they have plenty of fluids. Dehydration can be a common complication after surgery, so make sure your loved one drinks plenty of water, juice, and other fluids.
- Encourage them to move around as much as possible. Surgery can often leave seniors feeling weak and stiff, so encourage them to move around as much as possible, per doctor’s orders. This will help improve their mobility and reduce the risk of complications.
- Help them with basic tasks such as bathing, dressing, and grooming. These tasks can be difficult for seniors after surgery, so offer to help out as much as you can.
- Keep a close eye on their pain levels. Pain is often one of the biggest challenges for seniors after surgery, so make sure you are keeping a close eye on their pain levels and taking steps to manage it effectively.
- Enhance pain management. During recovery, there are additional ways to help minimize pain and complement prescribed pain relief. This includes using ice packs, supportive pillows and relaxation techniques.
- Make sure they get plenty of rest. Surgery can be exhausting, so make sure your loved one gets plenty of rest in the days following their procedure.
- Watch out for warning signs. Keep an eye on your loved one for signs of infection, such as fever, redness or swelling around the surgery site, or drainage from the wound.
- Assist your loved one with their medication schedule. Stay on top of daily medications as directed by the surgeon.
- Offer transportation. Transport your loved one to follow-up appointments and other medical appointments as needed.
- Check in on them regularly. It's important to keep an eye on your loved one's progress after surgery, so check in with them regularly to see how they're doing. If you notice any problems or concerns, don't hesitate to bring them up with their doctor.
Common Post-Surgery Complications to Watch For
During your loved one’s recovery, it’s important to watch for any complications that could derail recovery or introduce new medical issues. Common post-op complications include infections, blood clots, and respiratory problems. Every surgical procedure carries its own risk of complications. It’s important to consult with your surgeon and medical team to understand what potential complications may look like and know the appropriate steps to take.
Long-Term Recovery Considerations
While some post-op recovery is short-term, some people may have a longer period of recovery. A professional in-home caregiver can provide a level of ongoing care and peace of mind that supports necessary lifestyle changes long-term. Whether a need for more extensive care arises due to surgical complications or slower recovery due to aging or pre-existing conditions, long-term care can ensure your loved one receives the care they need and deserve regardless of the length of their recovery.
Consider Transitional Post-Hospital In-Home Care Services with BrightStar Care
The final step in taking care of seniors at home after surgery is ensuring they have enough support to safely transition to recovering at home. This includes help with things like bathing, grooming, and transportation. You may also need to help them with their medications and wound care.
If your loved one doesn’t have the extra care and support they need to make a successful transition at home, consider enlisting professional home care support from the RN-led team from BrightStar Care. We offer both long-term and short-term transitional care to help your loved one focus on their recovery and help ease the burden on families while their loved one adjusts.
BrightStar Care staff ensures that your loved one receives the critical home health support they need, reducing the need for re-hospitalization, falls, medication mistakes, and mental stress which can delay healing or worsen health. With an in-home caregiver, your loved one will be monitored and cared for if and when you can’t be there. It’s not uncommon for seniors to assume they can do more than they safely can after a surgery. If they are alone, they can face the danger of falling without assistance, taking the wrong doses of medication without supervision, or simply slip into loneliness and depression.
Making the decision to stay at home after surgery can be difficult, but with the right care and support, it can be a successful transition. If you are having difficulty providing this care yourself, consider enlisting BrightStar Care to provide the extra care and support your loved one needs to make a successful transition home.
If your loved one doesn’t have the extra care and support they need to make a successful transition at home, consider enlisting professional home care support from the RN-led team from BrightStar Care. We offer both long-term and short-term transitional care to help your loved one focus on their recovery and help ease the burden on families while their loved one adjusts.
BrightStar Care staff ensures that your loved one receives the critical home health support they need, reducing the need for re-hospitalization, falls, medication mistakes, and mental stress which can delay healing or worsen health. With an in-home caregiver, your loved one will be monitored and cared for if and when you can’t be there. It’s not uncommon for seniors to assume they can do more than they safely can after a surgery. If they are alone, they can face the danger of falling without assistance, taking the wrong doses of medication without supervision, or simply slip into loneliness and depression.
Making the decision to stay at home after surgery can be difficult, but with the right care and support, it can be a successful transition. If you are having difficulty providing this care yourself, consider enlisting BrightStar Care to provide the extra care and support your loved one needs to make a successful transition home.