If an elderly loved one is undergoing a necessary surgical procedure in the near future, chances may be that the ensuing recovery period is weighing on your mind. You know they deserve the most attentive and compassionate care, but you are concerned that you lack the know-how–not to mention the flexibility and availability in your busy schedule–to accommodate all of their needs at any given moment. You might also have concerns about how you are ill-equipped to identify symptoms, infections or illnesses that require immediate medical attention or any other emergencies that could arise during the recovery period.
When it comes to caring for individuals after medical procedures, there are many people who believe that seniors should have a caregiver with them at all times. Fortunately, we live in an age where you can hire a professional who specializes in not only providing elderly care but particularly to seniors recovering from recent operations. They have professional, proven experience keeping an eye on all of the intricacies of healing, have insight on expected progress and recovery times and can attend to your loved one’s every need during this crucial time.
How the Road to Recovery Differs During Later Stages in Life
In an earlier stage of life, there might not have been a worry in someone’s mind that their recovery would be quick and uncomplicated. As the body grows older, however, recovery becomes a more drawn-out, delicate process that unfortunately has greater potential to run into complications along the way. Research completed by the American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program found that after surgery, patients over 80 had higher morbidity and mortality rates compared to recovering patients in general. This finding only serves to show why post-operative senior care is so important.
What to Expect During Recovery
For a period following surgery, your loved one may suffer from confusion and delirium brought about by the anesthesia, pain and/or medications that their doctor may have prescribed. It’s essential that these medications are administered at the appropriate times of day and taken in the right dosages. The stringent timetable and focus on dosage may be too much for one person to handle, especially if they are the ones in pain or on medication.
Within the months following the operation, doctors may want the patient to come back in for checkups to make sure the healing is going according to plan and within the anticipated timeframe. Remembering and keeping the appointment might be tough for a senior to manage on their own. This is where a caregiver would definitely come in handy.
Potential Risks
Due to the senior patient’s potential limited mobility and greater reliance on assistance from others, careful monitoring is key during the recovery period. Additionally, other factors often associated with age include, but are not limited to, physical circumstances like weakened, achy muscles or mental conditions like forgetfulness or confusion can be present. These can all play a part in how quickly and successfully a patient recovers.
This also highlights how it may be near impossible for a patient who exhibits these behaviors to go through recovery alone, not to mention dangerous if unforeseen complications were to arise. The window of time that potential issues, illnesses or infections need to be addressed can be narrow, making it all the more important that someone is monitoring the recovering patient.
Even with state-of-the-art medical advances and medical personnel taking the proper precautions, surgery can be a shock to the body’s major organs. During the post-operative stage, complications with the heart and the lungs are the biggest threat against seniors’ health and recovery. Because of the unique circumstances and heightened risks that come with seniors undergoing surgery, being cared for by someone else is one of the best ways to ensure a smooth and safe recovery.
After All Is Said and Done
Just as the proper practices and care are needed to ensure the success of a surgery, recovery should be looked at no differently. Patience, compassion and attentiveness are all necessary ingredients for the best elderly care and possible outcomes following surgery. So, be there for your loved one in the ways that you can and look into professional care in the ways that you can’t to ensure that they are back to their normal life as quickly and safely as possible.]]>