Post-Surgery Tips for Your Elderly Loved One
Surgery is a big deal. No matter what your elderly loved one has to get surgery for, it is important that you and your loved one are prepared for what will happen after their surgery. The good news is that there are some general post-surgery tips for you and your elderly loved one. Having these tips can help to ensure you are both more prepared for what to expect when their surgery is done.
Emotional Support
Depending on what type of surgery your elderly loved one is getting, they might need some emotional support afterward. For instance, if your elderly loved one is getting heart surgery, it may be a very scary experience. Your elderly loved one might need someone to be around to help them cope with these emotions. You, an elder care provider, and a therapist may all be great options. Even if you don’t think the surgery is a big deal, that may not be the case for your elderly loved one. Try to remember they are the one going through this and they may need your emotional support.
Physical Support
Your elderly loved one might need physical support after their recovery, as well. Depending on the type of surgery they are having, the time frame for this type of support can vary. For instance, if they are having an exploratory laparoscopy, the recovery time will usually vary from a few days to a few weeks. However, if your elderly loved one is having open-heart surgery, for instance, they are going to need a lot more care and support. If this is the case, you might need to hire elder care providers to help.
Attending Follow-Up Appointments
It is also very important that your elderly loved one attends all of their follow-up appointments. These are essential so that their doctor knows how things are going. Just a phone call to the doctor isn’t enough. It is essential that your elderly loved one goes into the doctor’s office. If you can’t get them there, be sure to ask an elder care provider to drive your loved one there. If there are concerns before your elderly loved one’s appointment, be sure to call the doctor so you can get them in sooner, if needed.
Conclusion
These are some of the post-surgery tips that you and your elderly loved one should know about. If you use these tips, you can help your elderly loved one to have a smoother recovery process. It is important to remember that no surgery is easy or simple. Even ones that seem basic can still take a toll n your elderly loved one. Due to this fact, your elderly loved one is likely going to need at least some physical and emotional support after their surgery.
Sources
https://www.healthline.com/health/postoperative-care