If a senior loved one has recently had surgery, there are several steps you need to take to ensure their recovery goes as smoothly as possible. From follow-up visits to rehabilitation, the recovery process is vital to ensure the desired outcome of the procedure. Here’s some information to help your loved one through this time.

Do:

Provide extra care or professional help.

Whether your loved one lives at home or in a nursing facility, arrange for extra care or professional help while they’re recovering from their surgery. Allowing proper healing time is important for a successful recovery, so having extra help to complete daily chores and offer socialization ensures your loved one won’t try to do too much too soon. Additional assistance can also watch for any problems that may arise during recovery.

Watch out for signs of decline. 

Infections are common post-surgery and can lead to complications during recovery if they’re not detected soon enough. Familiarize yourself with the signs of infection, which include redness and swelling at the surgical site, fever, chills, and fatigue. If you notice signs that your loved one’s health is declining, schedule a visit with their medical provider as soon as possible.

Don’t:

Skip rehabilitation appointments.

Rehabilitation appointments like physical therapy and follow-up doctor visits are critical to evaluate the healing process. These appointments allow the doctor to assess your loved one’s health post-surgery and make changes to your treatment plan to ensure you stay on track to a full recovery.

Do too much too soon.

Even if your loved one starts to feel better, make sure you’re following the doctor’s orders. It can be tempting to extend their walk or perform a few extra chores when they’re feeling well, but if they do this too soon they can actually delay their healing, making the recovery longer and more difficult.

Whether your loved one requires a place to recover or needs close rehabilitation work, trust the professionals at Atmore Nursing Center in Atmore, AL. With RN’s, LPN’s, and CNA’s on staff, this treatment facility provides 24-hour care, seven days a week, for your senior loved one recovering from surgery. To learn more about their services and qualifications, visit them online or call (251) 368-9121.