It can be a challenge for family care providers to be with their aging loved one after a surgery. Even though they want to, many family caregivers have jobs or family duties that prevent them from staying with their elderly relative all the time as they enter the post-surgery recovery phase.
Because seniors usually face a slower healing time than others due to age-related issues, it’s important that they have plenty of support after surgery for as long as they need it. Family caregivers can provide seniors with the post-surgery help they need by hiring home care providers.
Phases of Post-Op Recovery
When elderly adults go in for surgery, there are a range of reasons. From serious surgeries like repairing broken bones and putting in a pacemaker, to more moderate operations such glaucoma or varicose veins, there are different levels of a post-op recovery. Home care providers can tailor their services to provide whatever the elderly adult needs during each phase.
The immediate post-operative time of a day or so is the most serious as the elderly adult is usually still groggy and is likely in a lot of pain. They may not be able to do the most basic tasks like bathe, use the toilet, or even get out of bed without help. Home care providers can take over all aspects of care, such as meal preparation, laundry and housekeeping. Family caregivers should not overestimate the value of companionship for their aging loved one at this time, and home care providers can keep them company when they would be otherwise left alone.
As the days and weeks go on, the elderly person should be seeing improvements in their overall health and abilities. They likely need to get to the doctor for follow-ups or work with a physical or occupational therapist. The senior may be able to do some of those daily tasks by themselves, such as toileting, grooming and getting a snack for themselves. As the elderly adult’s physical capabilities increase, the home care provider can adjust their duties accordingly.
Home Care Providers for Long-term Recovery
Sometimes, elderly adults simply don’t recover their full capabilities after a major surgery. Their bodies may not fully recover due to age-related complications or the seniors no longer have the physical mobility they once did. In these instances, family caregivers may not feel comfortable with their aging loved one living independently and on their own anymore. However, the seniors usually want to remain in their home. With home care providers, both parties can find a solution in a post-surgery situation.
Whether family caregivers need help in the weeks following an elderly loved one’s surgery or for the long-term, they can rely on the compassionate and professional services of a home care provider.
