Prepare their home before the surgery

After surgery, your senior loved one will need some time to recover. During this time, it’s important to make sure their home is comfortable and safe for them. Here are some suggestions on how to prepare their home before surgery:

Clear the way:

Remove any clutter from the floors and surfaces so your loved one can move around easily without tripping.

Make it accessible:

If your loved one will be using a wheelchair or walker, make sure there are no obstacles in their way.

Install grab bars:

Grab bars can help your loved one move around safely and independently.

Make the bed:

Put fresh sheets on the bed and make sure there are plenty of pillows for comfort.

Stock the kitchen:

Have healthy food and drinks on hand so they can easily refuel after a long day of recovery.

Create a relaxation space to recover:

Add some soothing elements to their bedroom or living room, such as a diffuser with calming essential oils or a soft blanket and pillow.

Arrange for Transportation

Arranging for transportation after your senior loved one's surgery is a crucial part of their post-operative care. Whether they will be discharged from the hospital or skilled nursing facility, you'll need to make sure that they have a safe way to get home. For many seniors, this will mean arranging for a ride with a family member or friend. However, there are also a number of professional transportation services that can provide door-to-door service. These companies typically offer both non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) and wheelchair-accessible vehicles, so you can choose the option that best meets your loved one's needs. In addition, many hospitals and nursing homes offer patient discharge services, which can help to coordinate your loved one's transportation. By taking the time to arrange transportation in advance, you can help ensure that your senior loved one has a smooth and safe transition home after surgery.

Provide Emotional Support

Surgery can be a tough and trying experience for anyone, let alone a senior citizen. Being there for your elderly loved one during this time is crucial to their recovery - emotionally and mentally. The first step is to keep them company as much as possible. This not only combats feelings of loneliness, but also provides an extra set of ears and eyes in case something goes wrong. Secondly, keep reassuring your loved one that everything will be alright. Reassure them with kind words, physical touch, and by being present. Lastly, avoid discussing their surgery or recovery unless they bring it up first. Unless otherwise directed by their doctor, allow your loved one to take the lead in conversations about their health. This will help them feel more in control of the situation and may help reduce their anxiety.

Communicate with their Doctor

One of the most important aspects of a senior recovering from surgery at home is staying in communication with their doctor. If a senior experiences any changes in their condition, they should immediately reach out to their doctor for advice. Additionally, it is important to keep up with follow-up appointments and take any prescribed medications as directed.

Locate a Home Care Provider

If you are considering having a home care provider assist with your senior loved one's recovery, it is important to start the search early. Senior home care providers can offer a wide range of services, from help with activities of daily living to post-surgery care. When choosing a home care provider, be sure to ask about their experience caring for seniors who have had surgery. You should also inquire about their availability and scheduling flexibility, as well as any additional services they offer, such as transportation or light housekeeping. By taking the time to find the right home care provider, you can help ensure that your senior loved one has the support they need to recover as well as the peace of mind that comes with knowing they are being cared for by a professional.

Caring for Seniors at Home After Surgery

When a senior has surgery, it is important to plan for their recovery. Surgery is a difficult experience for anyone, let alone a senior citizen. Taking these steps mentioned above will help to ensure that your senior loved one has a smooth and safe transition home after surgery.

If you are in need of post surgery care in Massachusetts, contact Chanda Care. Chanda Care is a team of trained, professional, and compassionate in home senior caregivers in Western MA. Our services include helping seniors with activities of daily living, transportation, light housekeeping, post surgical care and more. Contact us today to learn more about our senior in home caregiving services.