Whether the procedure was planned or not, surgeries always feel like they come out of nowhere. Moreover, nobody wants to leave their loved one in a hospital to recover any longer than they need to. You want your loved one to feel comfortable after surgery because they deserve it. If you’re searching for some different ways to care for a loved one after surgery, we’ve got you covered. Read on to learn more.
Depending on the severity of your loved one’s surgery, they may be bedridden for an extended period of time. That said, they’ll need your help with cleaning, cooking, taking care of their pets, and many other household tasks. Alternatively, if they’re not bedridden, they’ll probably try to perform these tasks themselves, which could cause further injury. You’ll need to hold them accountable and reaffirm that rest is the best thing they can do at this time.
Most doctors will provide guidelines that lead your loved one through recovery. Along with these guidelines, doctors will likely also prescribe medications, dosages, and schedules to help your loved one minimize their pain. Once the designated rest period has passed, your loved one may require physical therapy to help them regain their strength. In addition to holding your loved one accountable for resting, you’ll also need to keep them on schedule and assist them with physical therapy exercises and stretches.
While everyone wishes they could take weeks off to help their loved one, it’s simply not possible for everyone. Your job may not allow extended time off, or you may not have accrued enough vacation time. Alternatively, if you’re a front-line health worker during the current pandemic, you might not feel comfortable caring for a loved one who’s at a higher risk of contracting COVID-19. If any of these predicaments describe your situation, in-home care services offer several benefits for those who are unable to stay home and care for their loved one.
Although there are many different ways to care for a loved one after surgery, the best way to care for them is by being there when you can. You might not have the availability to be their fulltime caretaker, but merely spending time with them, whether physically or virtually, can mean the world to them.