Medication list: Take down a list of the medication your loved one will need during their post-surgery recovery and pre-fill their prescriptions beforehand. This will ensure they have their medication on hand when they return home. Don’t forget to ask their medical care team about any over-the-counter medicine that might help with post-surgery symptoms.
Once you know what your loved one’s recovery plan requires, feel free to ask anything else about enhancing their care.
Questions could include:
- How long will post-surgery recovery take?
- How should your loved one care for their incision?
- How much or little physical activity should your loved one do?
- What should your loved one eat to speed up recovery?
- What behaviours should be avoided during recovery?
You can find a home nurse in Dubai here.
Prepare their home for their return
In most cases, seniors can recover from surgery in the comfort of their own home. But there are a few ways to make the experience even better for your loved one. Before the procedure, assess your loved one’s living environment and take note of anything that could obstruct their movement through their home.
Keep safety in mind: After surgery, your loved one may not be able to get around their home as easily as they’re used to. Look for ways to make their home as safe as possible. This could include moving their bed closer to their bathroom, taking away heavy furniture they could bump into, or making sure their medication is easily accessible.
Plan food choices ahead of time: Surgery can be taxing on aging bodies so you’ll need to make sure your loved one is well-nourished. By preparing easy-to-freeze meals ahead of time, your loved one can avoid the stress of having to cook post-surgery. Plus, by making the meals yourself, you can ensure they’re nutritious and well-balanced. Don’t forget water! Keeping seniors hydrated after surgery is important.
Assess their wardrobe: After surgery, your loved one won’t want to feel constrained by clothing that’s tight or restrictive—especially around their incisions. To ensure their comfort, look for loose clothing that won’t rub or chafe when they move. The same goes for footwear. A comfortable slip-on shoe is going to make your loved one’s recovery much easier than a lace-up boot.
Find them high-quality home nursing support
There’s a lot to consider when planning a senior’s recovery at home after surgery. Your loved one may need help with their day-to-day activities like bathing, cooking, cleaning, and moving around. Not to mention, follow-up doctor appointments, pharmacy runs, and making sure they’re eating well and taking the right medications at the right times.