Respite Care Kansas City: Post-Surgery Recovery Tips for Seniors
Post-surgery recovery can be challenging for any person, but it can be especially so for seniors. To help you make the best of the situation, here are some tips from Kansas City Home Care on how to make your post-operative recovery period less stressful and more successful.
Follow Your Physician’s Instructions
Following your physician’s instructions is the best way to recover from surgery. Be sure to ask questions and discuss any concerns you may have with your doctor.
If you are healing from an arthroscopy procedure, follow the diet and exercise plan given to you by your physician. Do not lift anything heavier than 5 pounds until at least 6 weeks after surgery because this could damage your newly repaired knee joint.
Physical therapy exercises are important for recovering from knee replacement surgery, but many people do not complete them all on their own schedule because they find it difficult or inconvenient; therefore, make sure that someone else knows when and where these sessions will take place so they can help motivate you if necessary!
Have Quality Rest
Your body needs a restful night’s sleep to heal properly. The amount of sleep you get each night directly affects your body’s ability to recover. After surgery, it’s important to get plenty of rest and avoid doing too much too soon.
If you have trouble sleeping after surgery:
- Avoid caffeine and nicotine for at least four hours before bedtime. These substances can make it harder for you to fall asleep or stay asleep through the night.
- Don’t go to bed hungry or full from eating just before bedtime (especially fatty or high-protein foods). A light snack before bedtime is best so that food settles comfortably in your stomach while you sleep.
- Make sure there is enough fresh air circulating in your bedroom. Open curtains or use an air conditioner if necessary—and turn off any devices that emit light, such as TVs and computer monitors; these can interfere with melatonin production, which helps regulate our circadian rhythm (or “biological clock”).
Nutrition and Hydration
In addition to doing your best to stay active and nourished, it’s important that you know the basics of proper post-surgery nutrition.
- Eat a balanced diet—plenty of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean meats, and dairy products.
- Drink plenty of water (at least eight glasses per day).
- Avoid sugary drinks like soda or fruit juice because they can dehydrate you and add unnecessary calories to your diet that may cause weight gain in the long run. Also, avoid caffeinated beverages if you’re on pain medication; these beverages may alter their effects on your body by changing how quickly the drug enters into action within your system.
Avoid Infections
- Wash your hands before and after touching your incision.
- Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze.
- Avoid being near sick people, especially if they have a fever, cold, or other respiratory infections.
- Don’t share food and drinks with others when you’re in the hospital or at home recovering from surgery.
Consider Assisted Living
Assisted living is not just for people who are impaired or frail. It’s also a great option for seniors who need assistance with daily tasks as they age but can still live independently. Assisted living facilities provide a safe and secure environment that allows seniors to maintain independence while receiving assistance with daily activities and social interactions when needed.
Thoughtful Care offers services such as:
- Nursing care 24/7 (or close to it)
- Personal care assistance
- Meal preparation and delivery
- Housekeeping services
- Transportation on demand (within reason)
Kansas City Home Care Can Assist
Regardless of the surgery you are recovering from. It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions in order to recover quickly and safely. By taking the time now to look for qualified homecare providers , seniors can feel confident that they will be able to handle them when they arise. Contact us at Kansas City Home Care for more information.
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