Ill health can make surgery a recommended treatment for the elderly. Undergoing surgery can improve a senior’s quality of life or save his life. However, there may be associated with surgery. Older adults should ask their surgeons these important questions when considering invasive treatments.

Common Surgeries Seniors Need

People who are aged 50 and over may experience aches and pains as they grow older. But some urgent issues may arise and necessitate the need for surgery. Certain surgeries are most commonly performed on people in this age group.

Hip replacement surgery is a procedure with which many seniors are familiar. Hip joint replacement is one of the most innovative medical procedures today. This type of surgery may be necessary in the case of severe arthritis in the hip joint or following a fracture.

When arthritis of the knee is severe or a fracture occurs, knee replacement surgery is performed. Osteoarthritis in the knee is expected to affect half of all Americans in at least one knee over the course of a lifetime. In 90 percent of people, the surgery significantly reduces knee pain.

Another common surgery in seniors is a pacemaker implantation. Or, a cancerous lump may be removed from a senior’s breast tissue via a procedure known as a breast incision. Radical prostatectomy is a surgery done to remove the prostate in order to remove a cancerous tumor.

Cataract surgery is also familiar to most seniors. The surgery removes vision-impairing cataracts from either one or both eyes. For most seniors, cataracts start developing around the age of 60. In the United States, the average age for cataract surgery is 73.

Before undergoing surgery, older adults should ask their surgeon a number of questions given that in light of other medical conditions, seniors may be more at risk for unwanted outcomes. Older patients can experience extended hospitalizations, difficulty moving around, and a loss of independence after surgery.

What is the goal of major surgery?

As mentioned, surgery can improve quality of life, but risks may also be present. The senior considering surgery should ask what are the goals and benefits of the procedure. For example, people can ask if the surgery will extend their life, such as in the case of surgically removing a fast-growing tumor, or will it provide the elderly patient with improved mobility?

A senior should know if a hip replacement surgery will prevent him from becoming disabled and what the short-term and long-term impacts will be on their daily life.

What are the possible outcomes of surgery for an older patient?

Health, age, and functional status play big roles in the success of a surgical procedure. Research shows that older adults who are cognitively impaired, frail, or suffer from a serious health condition, like heart disease, may experience poor outcomes with major surgery.

Seniors in their 80s or 90s have a high risk for problems occurring during an operation. High-risk patients should also discuss with family and friends the advantages and disadvantages of undergoing surgery. Seniors with cognitive impairment may need help making these complex decisions.

What are nonsurgical alternatives?

An older adult should ask the surgeon what nonsurgical treatment options are available. Depending on the condition of the senior patient, there may be an alternative treatment that can be done instead.

What is expected during recovery?

Seniors who undergo surgery can expect to recover in the hospital, in a rehabilitation facility or at home. The elderly patient should ask how long the hospital stay will be. Will pain or aftereffects develop from the anesthesia? Maintaining cognitive functioning after receiving anesthesia is a priority.

If recovery at a rehab facility is planned, the senior should ask what type of therapy will be needed and whether a return to a baseline of functioning is expected. Alternately, a senior may opt for home care, in which case, preparations must be made to receive the patient and provide the appropriate care and rehab for recovery.

Care from Assisting Hand at the Hospital

While at the hospital, your loved one may need assistance to ensure companionship and well-being. At Assisting Hands, we offer invaluable patient sitting and hospital sitting services for care recipients.

Post-Operative Care from Assisting Hands

Care after undergoing surgery is as vital for a full recovery as the procedure itself. If your elderly loved one opts for surgery, help him recover with the post-op care from Assisting Hands Home Care.

After-surgery care from our reputable home care agency supports older adults during their transition from the hospital to the home. Our high-level of consistent and quality nonmedical care ensures care recipients follow discharge instructions and lessen their risk of re-hospitalization or complications.

Since many elderly patients may not possess full strength after surgery, they are unable to perform the activities of daily living independently. With in-home post-operative care, professional caregivers assist seniors by preparing meals, coordinating therapies, performing light housekeeping, assisting with hygiene, picking up medications, and providing transportation to doctors’ appointments.

Whether seniors undergo minor surgery, such as cataract surgery, or major surgery, such as heart bypass surgery, the post-surgical care provided by Assisting Hands Home Care helps their recovery.

Improve your elderly loved one’s chances of recovery after surgery by choosing Assisting Hands Home Care. If loss of independence occurs, our caregivers are available to fully support the senior. Call us at (561) 566-5989 to schedule your complimentary in-home consultation, and start quality post-operative care in West Palm Beach, North Palm Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Boynton Beach, Wellington FL, and the surrounding areas.