Surgery saves lives, but patients need time to heal from a medical procedure. It can affect your loved one mentally and wear them down physically. During this time, the convalescent requires support. Luckily, after the surgery, most patients are allowed to recover at home. This allows the family members to assist them, but it is not easy to determine what can be helpful or not. Here are some tips that can help you handle the patient at home.
1. Help, Help, Help
You have to lend a hand as much as you can. After an operation, the body is weak and little things can stress the patient. Here are some chores you can assist with.
- Help pick kids up from school
- Buy groceries
- Make dinner
- Assist with household chores
- Help administer medication
- Pay bills for them
These are day to day things that must be done on time. It helps the household to remain sane, which can help the family member to stay calm and recover quickly.
2. Be Strong
When recovering from a medical procedure, one can hardly do much for themselves. Your family member will look upon you for many things and not just helping around the house. Here are some ways you can be there for them.
- Encourage them
- Reassure the loved one
- Help with decision-making
- Be positive
- Acknowledge their fears
When recovering from surgery, your relative may feel downcast and helpless because they are bedridden at home. You can make their lives comfortable by buying medical supplies and equipment from a medical equipment store like USA Medical and Surgical Supplies. The patient will be confident with the right products and in-home care assistance.
3. Be Present
According to the Canadian Medical Association Journal, if the patient is well prepared before for the surgery, they will recover better. You can be present throughout the process. Support them every step of the way so that your loved one will feel you have good intentions from the beginning.
- Be there physically
- Help with hospital procedures
- Be resourceful about the patient’s needs
- Learn and ask questions about the recovery process
- Anticipate their needs
Your physical presence helps you understand the healing process and anticipate your family member’s needs.
4. Know What to Do
No matter how much you love someone, you cannot care for him or her post-operation if you do not know what to do. You should know what the recovery entails. Learn the little details such as their diet, medical dosage, or any other lifestyle adjustments that the doctor may recommend. Here is how you can be knowledgeable.
- Consult the discharging officer
- Listen carefully and take notes
- Observe and ask for a demo if necessary
- Buy the right home care equipment
- Ask for technical help if needed
- Ask for the doctor’s emergency contacts
- Attend a training session if it is recommended
Patients hardly understand the doctor’s instructions when leaving the hospital. You should be one taking all the information and be the source of guidance at home.
5. Be Realistic
It would help if you took home care seriously and even adjust your schedule. You have to be prepared mentally and available emotionally for your loved one. Surgery recovery is painful, stressful, and exhausting for the patient. You have to keep in mind that things will not be smooth. Here are some things you can do to make it easier for everyone.
- Be level headed
- Remind the patient why they had the surgery
- Keep your eye on the recovery
- Be sensitive to your emotions
- Acknowledge their pain
- Stick to the doctor’s instructions
- Feed them with healthy foods
Your love one will feel frustrated or be overwhelmed by fears of the worst. No matter how bad it is, do the best you can and remain calm. Be sensitive and stick to their side.
Things to Avoid
- Stick to the doctor’s instruction – follow the right dosage and avoid non-prescription medication if the doctor has told you so
- Do not allow your loved ones to get into physical activities that will slow their recovery
- Do not make them feel like a burden
- Do not abandon them
- Do not ignore them. Keep your loved one informed and listen to them
- Do not allow them to wallow in self-pity. Encourage them to think positively
Soon the recovery will be in the past and the patient will be functioning as normal. The help you gave was a big part of their recovery.
