It can be hard enough for elderly parents to undergo surgery. Still, the recovery process can often prove to be even more difficult. While some older adults can quickly regain their strength and return to their usual activities, others may need help with basic tasks.
Patience and understanding are needed if you care for an elderly parent recovering from surgery. You must know some basic things to help make their recovery as smooth as possible. If you have an elderly loved one who is recovering from surgery at home, there are some things you can do to help them.
Get help from a home health care service
It might be difficult to balance everything when caring for your elderly parents alone, especially if you have a job and other children. The best way to manage this situation is to render a home nursing care service. This nursing care provides multidimensional home care to patients of all ages.
They can create care plans to achieve goals based on the patient’s diagnosis. Recovering from home will also help your elderly parents feel more comfortable and relaxed without neglecting their medical needs and care. Moreover, home health care services can be very beneficial because:
- They will care for your parents while you focus on your job or doing other errands.
- Your parents are in good hands as home health care nurses are experienced and skilled.
- You can save a lot of money because home health care is much cheaper than staying in the hospital or any other type of nursing.
Follow the doctor’s orders
This entails delivering your parent’s prescription on time and assisting them in keeping to any physical limitations. Make sure they are taking their medication as prescribed. This is important for all patients, especially seniors, as they are more likely to be on multiple medications.
It is also critical that you take your parent to all their follow-up appointments so that the physician can monitor their development and make any necessary modifications. When you visit the hospital with them, assist them in asking the staff any questions they may have about their care or take down notes to review later. If your elderly parent cannot travel, look into online care options or home healthcare services that can bring the doctor to them.
Ensure a clean and safe environment
If your elderly parents live away from you, you must ensure that your home is clean and free of any potential hazards. This includes removing trip hazards from walkways, such as loose rugs or electric cords.
You will also need to frequently clean and disinfect surfaces in their home, such as countertops, door handles, and light switches. If your parent cannot do this themselves, hire a professional cleaning service or ask friends and family members for help. In addition, you should make sure that their home is well-lit so that they can avoid any potential accidents when they roam around the house.
Keep them comfortable
The elderly, after surgery, will experience pain and discomfort. This means making sure that they have everything they need within arm’s reach and that they are not in any pain. Be sure to ask your parent how they feel and if they need anything to make themselves more comfortable. If they are in pain, give them their prescribed pain medication.
Also, their bed must be comfortable, and they have plenty of pillows to support their head, neck, and back. You should also ensure that the temperature in their home is comfortable and that there are no drafts. Their clothing should be loose-fitting and comfortable. If they feel sad and restless, try to engage them in light conversation or offer to read to them.
Prepare healthy meals
It is vital to ensure that your parent eats a healthy diet while recovering from surgery. This means preparing meals that are high in protein and low in fat. You should also avoid serving them raw fruits or vegetables, as these can contain harmful bacteria.
If cooking meals from scratch is not an option, many healthy and ready-to-eat meals can be found at the grocery store. You can also look into meal delivery services that specialize in healthy eating. And never forget to consult their physician before making any major changes to their diet.
Encourage them to move around
After surgery, your parent needs to move around as much as possible. This will help to improve their circulation and prevent blood clots from forming. You can encourage them to take short walks around the house or do some simple exercises.
If your parent is unable to walk, you can help them by doing range-of-motion exercises with their arms and legs. These exercises are designed to keep their joints flexible and prevent stiffness. Some houses have handrails installed strategically, which can help your parent move around more easily.
All in all
When elderly parents need surgery, the last thing on your mind is how they will recover from it. This may be a difficult and stressful process for you and them. But by following these tips, you can help your elderly parents have a smooth and successful recovery from surgery. Just make sure you consult with their physician if you have any questions or concerns.
