The thought of undergoing surgical procedures often invokes fear and anxiety within a person of any age. What’s worse is when a patient is advanced in years and has pre-existing conditions that further complicate the recovery process. If you are caring for your loved one who is due to undergo surgery, you may experience high stress levels and concern for how surgery will impact their wellbeing during and after the surgical procedure.
It is only natural to want the best surgeon, recovery facility, and overall compassionate post-acute care professionals dedicated to overseeing all the procedures involved as well as the long recovery process ahead. While you may feel as though so much is out of your control, successful planning is the best way to ensure the most positive post-op experience.
Perhaps you’re wondering how you can support the recovery process and get your loved one back to living a quality life? Keep reading to find out three ways you can support your loved one and ensure they experience an easier and smoother road to recovery.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask Plenty of Pre-Surgery Questions
Making proper preparations for recovery starts long before the day of surgery has arrived. Think ahead of what you would like to ask the surgical doctor before the pre-op appointment. This is a crucial opportunity that you do not want to be unprepared for. The pre-op appointment helps you and your loved one understand what will be performed and how best to prepare ahead of time and manage the recovery process afterwards.
The pre-op appointment is a good time to seek second opinions, go over the costs along with any insurance coverage you need to sort out. It is also a good time to look into alternative treatment options if you would like to do so. Many loved ones take this opportunity to get to know the surgeon better and gain a more thorough understanding of their experience and professional background if you have concerns.
Surgery is a major life experience and you shouldn’t feel embarrassed or rude to ask questions about the areas of concern you have with the prospect of surgery for your loved one. It is every patient’s right to know and feel comfortable with the procedures that are going to greatly impact their lives. With all the information you gather at the pre-op appointment, you can assess your post-surgery recovery plan.
You may also wish to begin discussing your goals for the recovery and the best post-acute care location you would like your loved one transferred to after surgery.
Follow All Post-Surgery Instructions Carefully
Unfortunately, not everyone takes the post-op instructions seriously. Patients and caretakers may neglect to follow them or modify them out of personal convenience. Older adult patients may feel overwhelmed post surgery and be more grumpy with following the doctor’s orders regarding several types of detailed instruction.
However, it is vitally important that patients and loved ones follow the surgeon’s recommendations just as they were given and speak up with any questions or concerns when doing so. The instructions given by the surgeon are meant to prevent infection or further complications from occurring after surgery.
You can help your loved one follow the instructions that may include limiting body movements and taking the prescribed medications at the times given. By doing so, you help your loved one recover more quickly and fully altogether.
Plan to Attend All Post-Surgery Follow-Up Appointments
It is important to stay involved in the recovery process with each follow-up appointment your loved one is scheduled for. Monitoring progress and making adjustments is necessary to ensure the best recovery experience, even if your loved one says they are feeling just fine. Don’t neglect the opportunity to check in with the surgeon and go over key details that pertain to their healing process. What may not be a red-flag to you, may be to the surgeon which is why good communication at these appointments are crucial.
The doctor may wish to schedule additional follow-up appointments based on your conversations, change medications, replace bandages, or order additional tests and/or procedures. What’s more, the surgeon may recommend other types of rehabilitation methods as a result of these follow-up appointments.
South Coast Post Acute is Southern California’s Premier post-acute Partner
Better health and healing is possible with the right professional oversight and daily nutrition. At South Coast Post Acute, we deliver the services needed to restore health, regain autonomy and reduce the occurrences of rehospitalization.
South Coast Post Acute is here for you, at any age. Our innovative care, experienced staff, and welcoming accommodations combine to bring you the high level of care you’ve come to expect from Southern California’s leading post-acute provider.
Contact us today for more information on how we can help on your journey back to restored health.