Planning for a smooth post-operative recovery at home
Post-surgical recovery can be frustrating: Activities you or your loved one are used to doing solo can become more challenging and may require help from family or friends. Doing too much too soon, not following a doctor’s medical advice, or skipping rehabilitation appointments can also be a recipe for re-injury or rehospitalization.
While there are a lot of logistics to balance ahead of a significant surgery, planning for a caregiver shouldn’t be overlooked. Having a professional or professionals on board can help guide a smooth recovery, helping you stay on track with rehabilitation and removing the temptation to step outside your limits, whether that’s moving around the house, driving, or exercising.
Some examples of common surgeries that may require post-operative care include:
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Eye surgery, including cataract and cornea surgery
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Orthopedic surgery, such as hip or knee replacements
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Spinal surgery, including slipped discs or spinal fusion
Tandem Careplanning’s Care Team is available 24/7 with a network of highly-vetted professional caregivers who can provide specialized post-operative care for the weeks and/or months that you need them. We’ve done all the background work and reference-checking, so once you’ve found a suitable fit, you’re ready to go. Your dedicated caregiver can help as much or as little as needed, ensuring you maintain your independence while getting the support you need in the comfort of your own home.
Tandem’s In-Home Help After Surgery
The good news is that the physical limitations we face after surgery are almost always temporary. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the critical post-surgical recovery window can bring an increased risk of falls, trouble remembering to take medication, or difficulty with daily activities, like preparing meals, going to the bathroom, or getting groceries. Just because you’ve had surgery, doesn’t mean all the other tasks and responsibilities in your life stop. It can also bring about a level of concern with friends and family, who want to know that the person recovering is cared for and doing well.
Tandem’s caregivers go through specialized training and can help with everything from meal prep to checking vital signs, medication management, wound care, and physical rehabilitation. Ultimately, the type of home care you will need depends on the type of surgery you or your loved one is receiving. Our Care Team is available 24/7 to make sure you are satisfied with your personal home care solution.
Why Hire a Caregiver for Post-Operative Home Care?
Having surgery can change your home life dramatically. Previously simple tasks, such as walking up and down the stairs or going to the bathroom in the middle of the night, can become scary and exhausting. By planning for home recovery before you get surgery, your family can strategize for you or your loved one’s post-operative care and avoid possible complications. Here are a few key questions to consider about recovering from surgery at home:
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How long will you be in the hospital?
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What supplies or equipment will you need to use regularly when you get home?
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How will you or your loved one eat, clean, and wash themselves?
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Will there be any restrictions on your activities?
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When can you resume regular activities, such as exercise and work
Thinking about these questions proactively before surgery can help you or your loved return home, safely on the path to recovery. One important consideration is whether or not you or your loved one will need a caregiver for activities of daily living. And who will fill in this role?
Being honest with any potential caregivers about your anticipated needs or needs of your loved one can help you proactively line up experienced caregivers who are an ideal fit for when you arrive home.
Tandem’s caregivers can help provide a number of different home care services:
Personal Home Care
Changes in mobility can make daily tasks, such as eating, bathing, and dressing more complicated and difficult. Our caregivers can help with your activities of daily living and adjust to your needs as you recover.
Around-the-Clock Care
For those with mobility issues, getting around at night can be particularly dangerous. Tandem’s team of caregivers can provide 24-hour care to give you the peace of mind that, no matter what the hour, you’ll be taken care of.
Respite Care
After surgery, you may find yourself as the de facto caregiver for your loved one. This significant change in routine can be exhausting. Tandem caregivers can provide respite care, giving you some much-needed time to yourself, for a few hours or for a full day.
Interested in Talking to Our Care Team?