When surgery is needed, it can be a stressful time for anyone. And while many people worry about the actual surgery, it’s not uncommon that the hardest work occurs after the surgery as the patient recovers. For the elderly, recovery can be longer, and harder, and need more assistance so that they can recover fully without causing more harm to themselves and either slowing recovery time or creating a new health issue that needs to be addressed.
The goal of most post-op recovery time is for your loved one to be able to heal in a home environment, away from the sterile hospital environment. While a hospital can provide 24-hour home care and experts to help the healing, there’s nothing quite like being in your bed, surrounded by your favorite things to improve the healing process.
Of course, even though your loved one will be sent home to continue recovery at some point, that doesn’t mean she’ll be ready to jump right back into every daily task around the home. She may still have weeks or months before she’s back to feeling at 100%.
Five tips for an easy recovery period for your aging loved one. (hint: a 24-hour home care team can help with all of these!)
- Consider hiring a 24-hour home care team. Her 24-hour home care team will consist of professionals who will take shifts at the home with your loved one. With a 24-hour home care team, she will never be alone, meaning even if she needs help with something late at night or early in the morning, they will be there to help her heal. A 24-hour home care provider can help her with chores around the home, bathing, and medication management.
- Get her set up someplace comfortable. Although her bed might seem like the logical place for your loved one to rest, she might like spending her days resting somewhere more in another area of the home, like the living room or a covered porch. Set up each area with her favorite blankets, pillows, and comfort items so that once she’s settled in, she has all she needs.
- Provide plenty of fluids. Fluids will help her body flush out toxins and keep everything well hydrated, increasing the speed at which her body will heal. Having water bottles near each area that she likes to relax in will help ensure she drinks enough. She might not feel particularly thirsty, so reminding her to drink her water might help her keep up with her fluid intake.
- Encourage healthy eating. The doctor may or may not give dietary guidelines during recovery time. If guidelines are given, make sure your loved one’s pantry and refrigerator are stocked with what she can eat. And don’t forget to get rid of what she can’t, so she isn’t tempted. If no guidelines are given, encourage healthy eating instead of enjoying too many unhealthy snacks and meals.
- Keep her moving. It can seem daunting to begin moving around again but follow the doctor’s orders with how much she should be moving and staying active. Gentle physical activity will speed up the recovery so long as she doesn’t overdo it.
With care and consistency, better days are ahead and recovery is just right around the corner.
If you or an aging loved one is considering 24-Hour Home Care in Huntington, NY, please contact the caring staff at Help at Home today at (631) 859-3435
Help at Home is a top provider of home care services in Islip, Babylon, Huntington, Smithtown, Brookhaven, Hempstead & Oyster Bay, and surrounding areas on Long Island & NYC. We serve Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk Counties.
Whether you or a loved one is recuperating from an illness or a senior requiring care, we can help. Help at Home is committed to providing quality home care at affordable rates. Helping a patient remain in the comfort and security of their home is our goal. We are the best alternative to nursing homes and assisted living facilities. Help at Home caregivers
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