As our parents or older relatives age, they often require additional assistance to maintain their independence. While family members sometimes step in to provide help to their loved ones, it can be difficult to provide them with the support they need while working and taking care of your family. This is why hiring a caregiver can be an excellent way to make sure your loved one is safe and healthy.
This professional support is particularly beneficial if your elderly relative has undergone surgery and needs special care. By relying on professionals who can connect you with trusted post-operative home care across Los Angeles, you can ensure that your dear parent or loved one receives the specialized attention they need during their recovery. Continue reading to learn more about why caregivers play an important role in this process.
What does a caregiver do after surgery?
They can assist your senior with mobility support, medication management, wound care, and daily activities, but they’re also there to provide companionship and emotional support:
Medication management
Taking care that your senior takes their medication exactly as prescribed by the doctor is key not only after surgery but in general. A caregiver will help them take the correct dosages at the right times to prevent infection and manage pain. They can help set up a schedule, administer medications, and keep track of any side effects.
If needed, they can also manage IV medications and administer injections, which require medical training and competency.
Close monitoring
In-home caregivers will closely watch over your loved one, making sure their condition is stable. They can also catch signs of any complications early and address them promptly. They will:
- Monitor for any signs of infection
- Track any changes in pain levels
- Observe their overall mental and physical status
- Ensure that they’re following the doctor’s recommendations, such as recommended diet, movement restrictions, and other lifestyle changes
Daily tasks
Assisting a senior with activities of daily living (ADLs) is one of the most important tasks of a caregiver. This can include helping with:
- Dressing
- Bathing
- Personal grooming
- Eating
- Using the bathroom
This is important for maintaining their self-esteem and dignity, and preserving their quality of life, during a time when they are most vulnerable.
Encouragement and companionship
Recovery can be a lonely journey. Sometimes, it can lead to feelings of depression or isolation. With a gentle caregiver, they’ll have more than just physical support. Their assistant can also provide emotional encouragement and social companionship by:
- Engaging in conversations
- Spending time with them
- Lifting their spirits
- Participating in leisure activities
- Promoting a positive approach to recovery
Around-the-clock or limited care
Depending on the patient’s condition and the severity of their surgery, the level of care they require can be different. They may need around-the-clock supervision or just occasional check-ins. Professionals can adjust their schedule to meet the needs of your loved one and make sure they have the support they need, be it day or night.
Transportation
Follow-up appointments are an important part of the post-operative process. The role of the caregiver is also to accompany your senior to ensure they arrive on time and safely for their visits. They’ll help them get into and out of the vehicle, navigate through a medical facility, and keep track of the information that the medical staff provides.
Errands
Running errands is usually not feasible for an elderly person who’s recovering from surgery. Their assistant can help ensure that they have a sufficient stock of prescription medications, healthy foods, and any other supplies they may need. Moreover, they’ll also assist with tracking medical expenses and organizing and paying bills.
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