Introduction to Care After Surgery
Whether a person has had minor or major surgery, there will be limits placed on activities when he or she returns home. When you provide support to someone in the home, your assistance will help that person recover with greater ease. Most people find it less stressful and more comfortable to be in their own home.
The surgeon will order their care so as to promote healing and make it easier for them to return to normal activities. This plan of care will allow a person to be in their home, but still have help with certain activities. The person may need help with:
- Wound care
- Pain Control
- Diet
- Taking prescribed medicines (such as antibiotics)
- Safe exercise
The surgeon will also order activities to prevent problems from occurring, such as:
- Limiting activities that place strain on the surgical wound
- Providing a list of signs and symptoms that you should report
- Taking the person’s temperature regularly to watch for fever
Many of the lessons in SafeCare at home offer you the information you need to care for a person after surgery. For example, see our lessons on:
- Taking a Temperature
- Infection Control
- Feeding a Person
- Giving Medicines Safely
- Moving Safely in the Home
- Recognizing and Relieving Pain
This lesson will review key points for helping you to provide care for a person after surgery.
Here is Mia’s story:
My grandmother came to stay with us at home after she had heart surgery. My mom and I shared the job of keeping an eye on her and helping with her care. She was able to walk around and eat with us when she got home. Her doctor actually urged her to walk and didn’t place any limits on this activity, except to say that she should stop when she becomes weary. However, we did have to help her at first to stand, and then get into a chair. She initially was weak and it took about a full week before she was able to get up alone. Mom made sure she got her right medicines. I know there were new medicines to take after her surgery. One of the drugs was a blood thinner and we were told to watch for any signs of blood in her urine or her stool. Grandma was told by the doctor to eat less fat in her diet. I have been helping to remake some of grandma’s favorite recipes by substituting unhealthy ingredients for healthier options. Also, each morning my mom or I take grandmother’s temperature and we look at her stitches to make sure everything looks okay. So far, I think she is really doing well.