Tips for Helping an Older Adult Prepare for Knee Surgery
Preparations for any type of surgery that isn’t immediately necessary, as is often the case with knee surgery that doesn’t involve a serious injury, should start as soon as the date for the procedure has been set. There are also steps you can take to provide your senior loved one with some much-appreciated peace of mind as he or she prepares for knee surgery.
Help Your Loved One Understand the Surgery
While the doctor likely explained the procedure in detail, your loved one may not fully understand what’s involved with the surgery, which can cause added stress that’s not good to have before an operation. Consider the following steps to further increase your parent’s comfort level:
- Researching the type of knee surgery so you can explain it in a way that’s easy to understand
- Writing down questions you or your loved one has about the procedure and scheduling an additional appointment with the doctor to ensure all questions are answered
- Reassuring your loved one that you’ll be there before and after the surgery
Due to limited mobility, seniors may need help with daily tasks in the initial days after knee surgery. Dallas home care service experts are available to provide high-quality care to seniors on an as-needed basis. From assistance with mobility and exercise to providing transportation to the doctor’s office and social events, there are a variety of ways professional caregivers can help your aging loved one continue to live independently.
Make Clear Plans for the Recovery Period
Unless your loved one is having a simple outpatient procedure, there’s likely to be some recovery time following knee surgery, especially for something like knee replacement surgery. Aging adults who undergo knee surgery are likely to need some post-op assistance for at least a week or two. Your loved one may need help going to the restroom, preparing meals, and keeping the incision clean.
You can get your parent’s home ready for post-op recovery by making sure he or she has a comfortable place to sit, various forms of entertainment, and a refrigerator stocked with plenty of healthy food. You should also ensure your parent has easy access to his or her phone so he or she can contact you right away if necessary. Develop a clear understanding of the level of care your loved one is likely to need. If there are no family members who can provide extra care, consider hiring a caregiver to make home visits during recovery.
Aging adults who require assistance with the tasks of daily living can benefit from reliable senior care. Dallas, TX, families trust Home Care Assistance to provide the high-quality care their elderly loved ones need and deserve. Our caregivers are trained to help seniors prevent and manage serious illnesses and encourage them to make healthier decisions as they age.
Help Your Loved One Develop Realistic Expectations
Any type of surgery involves both physical and mental preparations, and your loved one’s doctor may not be aware of any added concerns your loved one has before surgery. Take some time to discuss the knee surgery with your loved one and clearly explain the following:
- How long recovery is expected to take
- What limitations he or she will likely have during recovery
- What rehabilitation will involve (for more extensive knee surgery)
From the initial procedure through recovery, any type of knee surgery is going to have its ups and downs. While there are no guarantees with such procedures, being as prepared as possible in advance can increase your loved one’s comfort level before and after the surgery.
Caring for a loved one, both before and after surgery, can take a toll on a family caregiver’s health. Whether you need respite from your caregiving duties or your aging loved one needs live-in care, Dallas, TX, Home Care Assistance can meet your family’s care needs. Our dedicated caregivers are available around the clock to provide transportation to doctor’s appointments, ensure seniors take their prescribed medications, and help with a variety of tasks in and outside the home. Home Care Assistance will work with you to customize a care plan that’s just right for your loved one’s needs. Call us today at [hca_phone] to discuss how we can give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing your loved one is being cared for with professionalism and compassion