When someone you love has to undergo surgery, it is important to provide them with the best quality of care possible. Some tips to helping them remain calm and comfy are by helping them change their clothing, preparing their meals, having a television and cellphone close by, and giving the top of the line medical supplies and equipment. Just by doing these few things, you can help improve their mindset and health after surgery.
1. Have the Best Health Equipment and Products
Having quality health equipment and products is a very important part of the aftercare of surgery. If the person you are caring for is fed internally, sometimes even buying a higher quality kangaroo pump is very beneficial. Other products you should spend more money on for quality are bandages, wraps, and antibiotic ointment. Although you can purchase these for lower prices, sometimes it is worth buying the better brands to avoid infections.
2. Enjoy Each Other’s Company
Sometimes, nothing is better than a little bit of company to help your loved one’s day go by quicker after surgery. Even if it is just watching a show on TV together or playing a brief card game, it will surely brighten up their day. If they have any close friends they talk to on a regular basis, even inviting them over for dinner or a movie will add some excitement into the mix instead of going by the same day-to-day schedule. Always take into consideration their meds, bathing, and bedtime before inviting any company over.
3. Television and Cellphones
If your loved one enjoys watching television or browsing the web on their cellphone, it is very helpful for their mindset that you keep them both close by. This will help to eliminate boredom from being laid up and stuck in the house for days on end. Be sure that the items like the phone and remote are placed with reaching distance so they do not have to strain in any way to grasp a hold of the item. Sometimes, placing a nightstand or table next to them will giving you adequate space to hold their belongings while keeping them organized.
4. Clothing Options
Nobody wants to sit in the same clothing they have been wearing for days, especially after surgery. To make sure your family member stays clean and comfortable, it is ideal that you change their clothes for them twice a day. If they are still somewhat mobile, it is still helpful to help them with certain clothing items so they are not straining the parts of their body where they had surgical procedures done. Not only will they be comfortable, but they will also be thankful for the extra set of hands to help them during a time of need.
5. Meal Preparation
One of the most important things you can do for someone after they have surgery is to prepare their meals for them. Not only should they be prepared, but they should also consist of healthy ingredients so they have all the correct nutrients they need during the crucial period when their body is trying to heal. Not only does this allow them to stay healthy, but it also helps them avoid having to get up and strain themselves while trying to prepare meals on their own.
When someone in your family has to undergo surgery, it is very important to take good care of their mental and physical needs. Some ways to do this is by spending time with them, preparing their meals, helping them change their clothes, keeping their favorite items close by, and purchasing quality items for their healthcare needs. By doing so, they have less of a chance of putting a strain on their body when they should be in bed resting. For individuals who received stitches or staples, even the slightest movement can tear their surgical incision which can then result in an infection.
Plan well and do your best when taking care of a family member after surgery. Don’t forget to plan some time for your needs as well.