Seniors face many risks as they recover post-surgery. The longer they stay in the hospital, the more likely they are to get an infection or illness that could complicate their recovery.
Being in the hospital or a rehabilitation facility can also cause anxiety and depression, which may affect recovery outcomes. Even when an elderly person returns home, they must follow careful aftercare instructions to prevent infection, blood clots, stroke, circulation problems, and other complications.
An in-home caregiver can provide expert assistance to your loved one during their post-surgical recovery and significantly reduce the risk of dangerous complications and hospital readmission. Here is a closer look at how in-home care can prevent hospital readmissions after surgery.
Understanding and Prevention of Common Risks Post-Surgery
An in-home caregiver has extensive training and experience in post-surgical recovery and rehabilitation. They have a thorough understanding of the common risks seniors face during recovery.
They can recognize early warning signs, take preventive measures to reduce risk, and help your loved one follow their aftercare plan. The most common risks that seniors face are:
- Postoperative delirium
- Cognitive decline
- Mobility problems
- Falls and accidents
- Mobility problems
- Infection
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Reinjury
- Isolation and depression
- Anxiety
- Sleep disturbances
- Muscle atrophy
- Edema
Assistance With Medication Management
Your loved one’s in-home caregiver can make sure they practice medication adherence. If your loved one is having trouble getting around, the caregiver can bring them the proper medication dosages as needed.
They can also offer medication reminders and ensure that medication is administered as prescribed and directed. They can monitor your loved one for medication side effects and help them avoid missed or incorrect dosages. This is especially helpful for seniors who have vision, mobility, or memory problems.
Adherence to Post-Surgery Care Plan
Some seniors resist adhering to their aftercare plan. They don’t want to give up their independence or undergo an uncomfortable rehabilitation period. A caregiver can help your loved one stick to their post-surgery plan, providing guidance and support as needed.
They can coordinate physical therapy appointments, offer encouragement, and provide assistance to your loved one, as well as those on their medical team.
Mobility Assistance
Even if your loved one’s surgery didn’t involve their hips, legs, or feet, they may have trouble getting in and out of bed or navigating the house on their own. A senior care specialist can provide mobility assistance and significantly reduce the risk of a fall or accident.
They can also assist with mobility devices like scooters, walkers, and canes. It’s important for your loved one to get up and around regularly after surgery to reduce the risk of blood clots, swelling, circulatory problems, and other complications.
Having assistance during the recovery process can make them more likely to adhere to their aftercare instructions.
Early Detection of Complications and Warning Signs
An in-home caregiver can provide you and your loved one’s physician with early notice if they detect something is wrong during the recovery process. They will continuously monitor your loved one’s vital signs, physical and mental health, behavior, and more to assess their recovery.
If they notice problems like slow wound healing, reduced range of motion or mobility, medication side effects, or other issues, they can intervene quickly.
Assistance With Daily Living Activities
As your loved one recovers, they may face challenges with everyday activities. A home caregiver can help your loved one retain some independence and recover in the comfort of their own home without sacrificing their health or safety.
Caregivers can help with getting in and out of bed and to and from the toilet, bathing, grooming, dressing, personal hygiene, and more.
Proper Diet and Nutrition
Your loved one may need to follow a specific diet during recovery. A caregiver can do grocery shopping and meal preparation, and make sure that your loved one gets proper nutrition.
Malnutrition and refusal of food are common complications post-surgery, but a caregiver can reduce those risks. They can follow meal plans and make mealtime more interesting so that your loved one is more likely to follow the proper diet.
Facilitate Communication Among Family and Medical Team
If you can’t act as a family caregiver or if you have to leave the home to work each day, a caregiver can provide valuable updates to you and other family members. They can also facilitate communication between your loved one and their medical team.
They can act as a vital link between everyone involved in your loved one’s care so that nothing falls between the cracks. They can even coordinate appointments and arrange transportation if needed.
Reduced Risk of Falls and Accidents
Your loved one may be at a high risk of a fall or accident in their home as they recover. A home caregiver can help you arrange a home safety evaluation to make sure the home is safe for your loved one’s recovery.
They can also provide assistance and reduce the risk of safety hazards and falls through every stage of your loved one’s recovery process.
Management of Chronic Conditions
If your loved one has chronic symptoms or must make permanent changes to their lifestyle or diet, a caregiver can help. They can assist your loved one’s care team in the management of chronic conditions like diabetes, heart conditions, and even artificial limb recovery.
Your loved one has a greater chance of managing their condition when they have the support of family, medical professionals, and a home caregiver.
Companionship, Guidance, and Support
Your loved one’s mental health and mood are key to the success of their recovery. If they are alone too often, they may become depressed and anxious, which could affect their physical health. A caregiver can provide companionship, guidance, and support throughout the recovery process.
They can make sure your loved one can voice their worries and concerns, answer their questions, and help them feel more comfortable and confident during recovery and rehabilitation.
Call Now to Schedule a Consultation for Post-Surgery In-Home Care
At Placita In Home Care, we offer highly compassionate and personalized in-home care services. In addition to in-home joint replacement care, we also offer one-on-one caregiving support and companionship to seniors who are recovering from hospital stays, surgery, illness, and injury.
Our services allow seniors to finish the recovery process in the comfort of their own homes rather than in a medical facility or rehabilitation center. We ensure full adherence to medication programs and post-surgical care plans, working closely with the patient’s family and medical team through each step of the process.
We can also coordinate home safety evaluations to ensure the home is free from safety hazards for optimal recovery. For patients who cannot recover at home, we offer a complimentary assisted living joint replacement care placement service and can help families find the right recovery facility for their loved one. To schedule a consultation for post-surgery in-home care in the Tucson or Phoenix metro area, call us today or fill out our contact form online.