About 310 million patients undergo surgery worldwide each year. Unfortunately, about 20% of patients experience postoperative complications. Some are left to heal at home, alone, and fail to receive the support they need.
Do you have a loved one who is preparing to go through surgery? Here are five tips that can help you provide support after their procedure. With these tips, you can help them through the recovery process.
The emotional support you provide could aid their recovery.
Stand by your loved one after surgery with these tips today.
1. Consult Their Doctor
If you want to help a family member after surgery, start by talking to their doctor or nurse. Make a list of questions you want to ask ahead of time. You can discuss your family member’s:
- Future tests and examinations
- Surgical procedure
- Recovery process
- Medications
- Rehabilitation
Consider attending any appointments alongside your loved one if you can.
Speaking with their doctor or nurse can help you determine what your loved one needs after their surgery.
2. Fill Prescriptions
You can also help a family member after surgery by knowing what they’ll need ahead of time. For example, you might want to fill their prescriptions. Talk to the doctor about the special equipment they might need, too.
3. Prepare Their Home
The riskiest time for surgery patients isn’t in the operating room, but after they return home. In fact, fewer than 1% of patients die on the operating table. Nearly half of all deaths that occur are due to:
- Major bleeding
- Heart damage
- Bloodstream infections
If you want to help a loved one after surgery, focus on their care at home.
For example, they might need help with laundry, dishes, and other chores. Perhaps they have a pet they’ll need help with. If they have children, consider offering free childcare.
Consider having a bouquet of flowers ready for when your loved one arrives home. You can check out this location to find flowers for every event.
4. Communicate
Try to communicate with your family member about what they need to recover from surgery. Ask them how they’re feeling or if they need any help.
As you communicate, make sure to use active listening. Pay attention to their body language. Show them you’re listening and avoid interrupting them.
Try to remain patient as well. It’s normal for people to experience surgery anxiety. Remain empathetic to provide the emotional support they need.
5. Remain Available
Try to remain available to help after your loved one’s surgery. They might need someone to drive them to a follow-up appointment. Perhaps they need a distraction while they’re healing.
Try to find something they can look forward to as well. For example, you can take them out to lunch after their doctor’s appointment. Having something to look forward to could make appointments more bearable.
Help a Loved One: 5 Tips for Providing Support After Surgery
Provide your loved one with the care and emotional support they need. Keep these tips in mind as they’re healing from surgery. With these tips, you can support them every step of the way.
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