Post-Surgery Care – What Can You Do to Help Your Mom?
The Portal of Geriatrics Online Education gathers information on all aspects of geriatrics. One of their reports states that senior citizens account for 2 out of 10 of yearly surgeries in the U.S. Any surgery requires a recovery, but seniors often require special consideration due to chronic conditions like high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes. Plus, the immune response in the elderly is slower, so they often need more time to heal.
Some of the common surgeries in seniors include cataract surgery, knee or hip replacements, and surgeries to remove cancerous tumors. After any surgery, your mom needs support at home. She may stay in the hospital for the first few days, but most surgical procedures will have her heading home to regain her strength and follow through with her doctor’s orders.
She Needs to Get Up and Walk Around
After a joint surgery, your mom is going to be regaining strength. She may be in pain and resting more, but she still needs to get up and move around. If you can’t be there to help, hire a home care aide to make sure your walks as often as her doctor has recommended. A home care provider can be there for support while she strengthens her knee or hip.
She May Need Someone to Lift Heavier Objects
After some surgeries, your mom may be told not to lift heavy items for a week or two. After a cataract surgery, your mom will be told not to bend over, put pressure on the eye, or do anything strenuous.
Things like laundry baskets, groceries, and even packages received in the mail may be too much. With a home care aide available throughout the week, your mom won’t be tempted to lift heavy items. She has a helper to take care of laundry, vacuuming, and taking out the trash.
She Might Not Be Allowed to Drive
Certain pain medications will make it impossible for your mom to safely drive her car. After a cataract surgery, she can’t drive. Your mom needs someone to drive her to the store or to follow-up appointments.
Medication Reminders Are Important
Your mom will likely be given antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and/or pain medications while she heals. She needs a caregiver on hand to remind her when it’s time to take her next dose. If you can’t be there, hire home care services.
Home care services cover post-surgery needs like safe transportation, medication reminders, laundry, and light housework. Learn more by making a call to us today.
If you or an aging loved one are considering Home Care Services in Salisbury NC, please contact the caring staff at TenderHearted Home Care today. (704) 612-4132.
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