Coming home after a surgery can feel like a big relief. But in fact, the work is far from over as it can take days, weeks and even months to recover. During this time, additional help around the house is often needed, such as doing the laundry, taking out the garbage, cooking, driving, and even personal care tasks like bathing, dressing and toileting. This is why it’s important to have a caregiver present so the patient can recover while not having to worry about these strenuous tasks.

If you are the caregiver in the family, say for your elderly parent, grandparent or spouse, you should know this can be a challenging task, but also rewarding. Caring for yourself during this time is also crucial as it will greatly impact your ability to help your loved one.

Check out these steps on how to care for someone after surgery.

Talk to the doctor

Keeping close ties with your doctor is one of the most crucial steps that must be taken during the recovery period. Ask lots of questions such as how often the patient needs to return for follow-up checkups, any special diet they should follow, medication schedule, physical therapy/exercise and particular activities to avoid. The more you understand the smoother the recovery process. You’ll also want to follow the rehabilitation plan closely and perhaps read it over multiple times.

Check out these steps to maintain effective communication.

1. Prepare a list of questions beforehand

Always prepare a list of questions before visiting the doctor and include any issues such as changes in symptoms, general health, or medications of the patient. It’s also important to discuss your comfort level as a caregiver as there may be tasks that are better fit for a respite caregiver.

2. Ask a nurse for help

Nurses are wonderful patient advocates, meaning they will look out for both you as the caregiver and the patient. A registered nurse can also answer questions about surgical procedures, recovery, rehabilitation, tests, and examinations.

3. Ensure the appointments fit the patient’s schedule

Before scheduling the appointments, discuss the times your loved one is comfortable going to the doctor for follow-up visits. Also ensure there is enough time allocated for the reason of your visit.

Even if you have a question after the doctor leaves, be sure to ask the office staff and the doctor or nurse can call you back with an answer.

4. Call beforehand

Check the schedule to verify your doctor is working before making the appointment. Inform the receptionist of any special needs before arriving to the office.

Preparing for the Recovery

The best way to prepare for the recovery is to know and understand what to expect.

1. Fill the patient’s prescriptions

These can include both pain and regular medication. Also remember to keep over-the-counter pain relievers on hand like Tylenol and/or acetaminophen. Ask the doctor beforehand which ones are best for the patient.

2. Pick up necessary equipment recommended by the doctor

This can include a cane, walker, bathtub bench, shower grab bars or special toilet seat.

3. Prepare the home for recovery

Clear walkways to prevent the risk of the patient tripping, slipping, or falling. Also keep any necessary items in easy-to-reach places, such as the counter, bedside table, or kitchen table. Here are some more specific tips:

4. Find out how long the patient will need care

Your doctor can provide an estimate on how long the recovery period should last, although it will really depend on your loved one’s comfort level.

5. Keep their wounds clean

Keep in mind non-medical home health caregivers are not able to change bandages, but a nurse can show you how to do it in many cases. Just be sure you are comfortable with the process of cleaning and re-bandaging the wound before going home.

Maintain Communication

One of your most important jobs as an informal caregiver is to communicate effectively with your loved one, the family, and the doctor. Do it in ways that are both clear and assertive and you will likely receive the help and support you need. Here are some more tips for effective communication:

• Be a good listener
• Be specific and never assume everyone will understand what you need
• Respect other’s rights and feelings
• Express your feelings using the word “I” instead of “you” which will help to avoid blaming anyone

Take Care of Yourself

There are many responsibilities for caregivers like driving, cooking, cleaning, and even personal tasks like bathing, eating, and dressing. Specifically caring for a loved one after surgery can be especially draining as you will likely need to handle all these tasks.

Just remember that it’s never selfish to focus on your needs and wants as a caregiver as this is one of the most important jobs as a caregiver. You can’t help anyone else if you don’t take care of yourself first.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

• Get enough sleep
• Get enough time for exercise
• Engage in outdoor activities
• Recognize when additional help is needed
• Keep in touch with friends and family
• Eat a healthy diet

If you keep up with these basic tasks, you’ll be a phenomenal caregiver. Remember, it doesn’t take any special education to care for a loved one, just time, patience, and dedication.

Post-Operative Care

Again, caring for a loved one is rewarding but still is a lot of work, and can even be overwhelming. Many patients require 24-hour home care after a surgery as they won’t be able to leave their bed for a few days or even weeks.

In these situations, an after-surgery care service can take over and be there so you can take care of yourself. Or if you simply don’t feel comfortable being tasked with caregiving, 24-hour home care and live-in care is always available.

Assisting Hands Home Care is available in Boynton Beach, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, West Palm Beach, FL, and the surrounding areas to provide professional after-surgery care services. Our caregivers specialize in elderly care and senior home care as well as hospital sitting services to keep your loved one comfortable and safe during the recovery period. This way you can focus on caring for yourself and we will focus on caring for your loved one.

Get a Free Consultation

For more information about our after-surgery care services, contact Assisting Hands Home Care at (561) 566-5989.