Seeing your loved one go through a surgical procedure is never easy. It feels like an immense relief when your loved one is back home after surgery, but the work is not yet over as it can take time and effort to recover.
Watching your loved one recovering from surgery can be an even more challenging experience. You feel shattered watching them struggle to retrieve mobility and physical, emotional, and psychological health. During this time, receiving the right help and care is crucial for them. From house chores such as laundry, driving, and cooking to personal care tasks, your loved one may need additional help so they can get back to normalcy while not having to stress about responsibilities.
From encouraging to helping them with chores and taking care of their wellbeing, there is so much you can do for your loved one during this period. We have listed eight tips for you to be more effective in helping someone cope with the recovery process.
Communicate with the doctor and follow their instructions
Keeping contact with the doctor is one of the crucial steps when it comes to the recovery of your loved one after surgery.
For example, if your family member has undergone a brain tumor surgery, the doctor may recommend you visit them three days after surgery for a follow-up MRI scan to see if there is any tumor left in the brain. They may instruct paramedic staff to facilitate the patient with MRI transport equipment, such as a wheelchair or stretcher, to move the patient to and from the MRI room. Curious about it? Ask questions such as why this equipment is needed, whether it is safe, and any particular safety measures. You may even want to read about the equipment at https://www.mriequip.com/store/pc/MRI-Transport-c3.htm to clear ambiguities. All you need to do is ensure your loved one is safe and treated with care.
Other instructions may include a special diet, limiting the patient’s screen time, avoiding lifting weights, swimming, and bathing for days or a few weeks following surgery. It is best to adhere to the guidelines if you want your loved one to get back to their routine as early as possible.
Do Not Forget Follow-Up Appointments
Many patients do not keep their follow-up appointments with the healthcare provider just because they think it is an unnecessary expense or they are already healing well. We strongly advise against this.
The surgeon will want to know your patient’s condition and if they are recovering well. They will monitor the patient to look for things you may not be aware of, such as symptoms of infection or tumor recurrence. The medication may also be modified, so keep the follow-up appointments updated on their recovery process.
Stock Your Home with Essentials
From painkillers to regular medication, make sure to fill prescriptions on top priority before your loved one arrives home after surgery. Besides, the patient may have special dietary needs, like a liquid diet or limiting oily foods. Stocking up your kitchen with those supplies beforehand can prevent you from a last-minute rush to the pharmacy or store.
Prepare Your Home for Your Loved One’s Recovery
Your home, especially the hallways and the living room, might be high-risk areas that pose safety concerns for your loved one after surgery. Since mobility can be a problem for the patient, declutter your home to prevent them from any tripping hazards. Following are a few essential steps to take.
- Remove cords or wires from walking zones
- Remove movable rugs and other items from the way
- Keep your home bright enough
- Install grab bars and railings in the bathroom
- Install double cylinder lock sets on doors
- Install the medical alert system
Inspect Their Incision
Whether the surgical incisions are closed with staples or sutures, they need regular care to heal without infection. Looking at the patient’s incision may not feel good, but you must take good care of their wounds. Keep the wounds clean but avoid removing any scab around them as it can impede the healing process. Check with the surgeon if they instruct to use peroxide or alcohol to keep the germs away. Otherwise, a gentle wash with water and soap is sufficient for the wound.
Keep a Check on Their Diet
Loss of appetite is common after surgery because anesthesia can affect the ability of patients to digest food. Your loved one may feel nauseated and not feel hungry, resulting in loss of weight and weakness.
Helping your loved one consume enough food and stay hydrated can be difficult, but it is essential for you as a caregiver to incorporate adequate nutrition into their diet, including vitamin A, vitamin C, proteins, fluid, and zinc, to facilitate the healing process and fight infection.
Some vitamin-rich foods you may add to their diet are tomatoes, white potatoes, bell peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, strawberries, oranges, lemon, kiwi, and grapefruit. Moreover, incorporating peanuts, almonds, beans, cashews, and pine nuts into the diet can increase their zinc intake.
Be There
Some individuals may not be introverts, but there are chances their social life will be affected after the surgery due to mobility issues. They may feel embarrassed about their condition and not leave home due to extreme pain. Consequently, the patient starts to feel lonely and abandoned, which can take a huge toll on their health.
One of the most vital things you can do to help recover your loved ones after surgery is to be there for them. Understand and respect their feelings, talk about things they love to distract them from pain and do activities they enjoy the most. Above all, listen to their concerns and worries in the recovery period. Offering continuous reassurance could be beneficial for their emotional health as well as speedy recovery.
Get Professional Support If Needed
Caring for a loved one after surgery can be exhausting, especially if you have a 9-5 job and children. From stocking up the essentials and medical supplies to cleaning and caring for your loved one, it can become hectic if you do it all alone. A professional home care service can be a great help, allowing you to care for your kids, work, rest, and spend time with your loved one after surgery.
Conclusion
Watching a close family member recovering from major surgery is not easy. You see them struggle to get back to their routine. When they become prone to other complications and infections, the right care and support are what they need. Taking care of their diet, communicating with the doctor, filling their prescriptions and groceries, and creating a safe home environment are a few ways to help them speed up their recovery.