Your dad is going in for surgery. You’re wondering what his recovery is going to entail. Much of this comes down to the type of surgery he’s about to undergo. Here are some general guidelines on what to expect and how post-hospital care can help.

Catheter or Feeding Tube Care

Dep[ending on the type of surgery, your dad may need a catheter or feeding tube until he’s able to do these things on his own. Nurses can help with feeding tubes and catheters. When it’s time to remove them, the nurse can do it at his home and keep him from traveling.

Daily Wound Care

For the first day or two, your dad may not be allowed to shower. He’ll need some baby wipes to clean up. After that, he may be required to change his bandage if it gets wet. He may need to gently wash the area with soap and water.

He has to be able to recognize the signs of infection. If the wound is in a hard-to-reach area, it can be challenging to do this. If the incision requires specialized care, it’s best to hire a nurse for wound care.

Antibiotics and Pain Medications

Is your dad taking any antibiotics or pain medications after his surgery? If he has IV antibiotics, fluids, or pain relievers, he has to have a nurse at home for post-hospital care. He’s going to need IV placement and medication administration for as long as his doctor requires.

Vitals and Monitoring

After some surgical procedures, your dad may need to monitor and record his vital signs. Hire a nurse to take his blood pressure and note it in his medical records for his surgeon. His nurse can check his pulse and oxygen saturation, and report to his surgeon each day.

If anything is wrong, his nurse will know and alert his medical team for guidance. This is beneficial as changes to medications or treatment plans are addressed at his home. He won’t have to return to the hospital or clinic for another appointment.

No Heavy Lifting

Your dad isn’t going to be able to lift heavy items for a while. In addition to post-hospital care, make sure family members stop by often enough to do the laundry for him. He’ll need help with housework and meal preparation, too.

Physical Therapy

Instead of going back to a clinic for physical therapy, have your dad’s therapists come to his home. He may not feel up to traveling yet, but that doesn’t mean he can skip out on important physical therapy sessions.

Arrange post-hospital care from skilled nurses to help your dad with his recovery. If he has a trained nurse helping him out, he’s less likely to go back to the hospital. Avoid readmissions by talking to his surgeon and asking about the post-hospital care services that will benefit him.

Call today: (478)-994-9535. Home Care Matters Provides Award-Winning, Trusted Home Care in Bibb, Butts, Crawford, Henry, Houston, Jones, Lamar, Monroe, Spalding, and Upson Counties.

We serve the towns of Forsyth, Macon, McDonough, Griffin, Jonesboro, Roberta, Barnesville, Gray, Thomaston, and Jackson.

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Valerie Darling

Founder, Owner at Home Care Matters

Valerie was born in Miami, FL and after a few family moves, grew up locally in the Marietta, GA area.Valerie is the oldest of 4 (3 younger brothers).She is married and has one child.Valerie is the Founder, Owner and CEO of Home Care Matters.Valerie’s mom, Dee, is the inspiration and primary driver as the how and why the business was born.Valerie says, “My mom is never far from our thoughts.Mom was an integral part of developing and starting HCM before she passed away.Our goal is to stay true to her memory and continue to honor her with the love, values, and ethics she taught us.”

Valerie has the unique experience with home care as she has experienced it from both ends of the spectrum, as a caregiver and as needing care herself as a cancer survivor. Valerie says, “Taking care of someone you love is a physically, mentally and demanding labor of love.Taking care of my mom was the hardest thing I have ever done. It has given me an insight and perspective not many people understand unless you are doing it or have done it.I loved taking care of my mom.I love helping others take care of their love ones too.And now that I’ve been sick, it’s given me a whole new level of empathy and understanding for those who are sick and need help.”

Valerie’s schedule varies daily, but she loves visiting with our clients, families, caregivers, our network partners and being in the office.Says Valerie, “Every day is different, but I wake up excited about what we do, inspired by our team, clients and caregivers.I strive to be a resource to the community.I love my team and I love what we do every day. I like to think my mom would be proud.”

You can reach Valerie by email (Valerie@homecarematters.com) or in our office (770.965.4004).

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