Undergoing surgery can be stressful for anyone, but sometimes even more so for our senior citizens, who aren’t always able to care for themselves properly. They may be worried about the procedure, scared about discomfort, and concerned about looking after their wounds and recovering once the surgery has taken place. If a loved one is about to go into surgery, here are some of the many ways you can assist them before and after.
Arrange a Home Health Service
With a referral from your loved one’s physician, you may be able to access a service like Promontory Home Health to ensure your family member receives a high level of care after their surgery. Home health service providers can provide an initial assessment of their needs, provide quality care to prevent re-hospitalization, and ensure their physician is involved in all communications.
When your aging family member is worried about the quality of their health post-surgery, organizing such a service may be a weight off their mind.
Focus On Health Before Surgery
Even though post-surgery health is essential, pre-surgery health can be, as well. Getting rest, eating a nutritious diet, and exercising may all be how you help your loved one prepare for surgery. Their doctor may also recommend changing habits, such as quitting smoking and reducing drinking.
Keep the Lines of Communication Open
Some senior citizens require the help of family members to access the healthcare treatment they need. When communicating on behalf of your loved one, it’s easy for some information not to make it back to who’s directly involved.
Do your best to communicate everything they need to know before it happens. The last thing you want to do is make them feel more stressed and nervous than they might already be.
Ensure They Follow Doctors’ Orders
Rehabilitation is a crucial part of recovery from surgery. However, when you’re in pain, the last thing you often feel like doing is exercising.
Be the voice of reason and the motivation your loved one needs to follow doctors’ orders. You might be able to help them with the exercises set out for them or explain their importance if they don’t understand why they have to do them.
When you hire home health service providers, you may also get to benefit from an all-inclusive speech, physical, and occupational therapy service if necessary.
Help With Everyday Needs
Sometimes, it’s not until you don’t have the use of an arm, leg, or another body part, that you realize just how much you rely on it. It can be frustrating, and you may even try to use it even when you shouldn’t.
Put yourself in your family member’s shoes and consider what limitations they may have after surgery. You may need to help with meal preparation, house chores, and errands. If you can’t be there to assist, consider hiring someone who can be or getting friends and family involved in a roster system.
It’s only natural to feel scared, worried, and nervous when you’re about to undergo surgery, which is why looking after family members going through such an experience can be crucial. By doing any of these things above, you may be able to help your loved one make it through their experience with as few stressful moments and concerns as possible.
