When someone you care about has surgery, the focus can go from hospital to home very quickly – they’ll be discharged and then they’ll need to be taken care of. And once the doctors and nurses hand over their care, it can all feel pretty daunting – after all, you’ll want to help, but you might not know where to start. 

The good news is that caring for someone after they’ve had surgery doesn’t mean you’ve got to have any medical qualifications or knowledge – anyone can do it if they’re prepared. With that in mind, keep reading to find out more. 

Get Clear Instructions Before They Come Home 

Before your loved one is discharged, make sure you understand the basics, which should include things like medication schedules, wound care, limits to their mobility, and when their follow-up appointments are. 

The best thing to do is make notes while you’re talking to the medical staff, or even ask for some printed instructions if you need to. It’s really easy to forget little details (which are also usually important details) once you’re home and the dust is settling, and knowing what’s actually expected of you can be a lot less daunting than thinking you’ve got to do it all and know it all. 

Set Up A Comfortable Recovery Space 

Where your loved one recovers is possibly more important than you might think, and it’s best to choose a spot that’s easy to access, close to a bathroom if possible, and definitely comfortable for resting during the day – perhaps for many hours at a time. 

You’ll need to think about practical things like extra pillows, blankets, water, tissues, chargers, and a small table for snacks, not to mention medication. The more you can give them, the less they’ll need to ask for and the less they’ll have to move around, and that’s going to make recovery easier and, ideally, faster.

Help With Medication And Schedules 

Medication can be quite confusing, especially if there’s lots of it, and various pills have to be taken at different times during the day. Take a look online and you’ll see you can find some inexpensive pill organisers which will be a great way to keep things on track – you’ll be able to separate all the medication into different compartments for the day and even time of day they need to be taken. 

Once that’s done, set some reminders on your phone so you don’t forget. Of course, after a few days it’ll all become automatic for the most part, but while you’re getting used to things, it’s a good idea to have an alarm to remind you, just in case – time can so easily get away from you when you’re busy. 

When it comes to medication, don’t be afraid to double-check the instructions if you’re not sure or just want to know you’re doing the right thing. And if something seems unclear, call the pharmacy or your doctor to find out the right answer, because medication isn’t something you can usually just guess and and hope for the best. 

Support Gentle Movement 

Rest is important, but so is movement, even if it’s only a little bit. That’s why, if the doctor says it’s fine to do it, short walks, stretching, and other light exercises can be a good thing – they’ll stop your loved one from getting stiff, and they can even help with healing, depending on what the issue is and assuming you’re following all the medical advice and guidelines. 

You can help by going for a walk with them, plus you can remind them to move around a little if they’ve been still for a while – and you can be the one to make them feel safe while they’re doing it, so it could be you’re the push they need to get a little more active. Of course, be careful not to push too hard because that can do a lot more harm than good. 

Take Care Of Meals And Hydration 

Eating well after surgery is something that can help the body recover more quickly, so if you’re taking care of a loved one, you’ll need to offer them balanced meals that are easy to eat, especially if they feel tired or they don’t have much of an appetite. 

If three big meals a day is too much, opt for smaller, more frequent ones because that can be easier and more manageable. Plus, keep water and drinks nearby and, if you don’t think they’re drinking enough, a few gentle reminders can go a long way.

Keep An Eye On Wounds And Symptoms 

You don’t need to be a nurse to notice if there’s something a bit wrong with your loved one’s healing wounds, and if you notice redness, swelling, unusual discharge, fever, or if their pain is getting worse, that can all be a sign to check in with the doctor to make sure they’re getting the right care. 

The key is to trust your instincts, and if something’s worrying you, get in touch with the doctor as soon as possible – it’s always better to ask early than to wait and for things to get worse. 

Create A Calm Routine 

Recovery can feel long and boring, and if you can put a simple routine in place, that can help days feel a little more structured, which in turn helps to speed time along a little faster. Part of that routine should be regular meal times, for example, and time for light activity, as well as time for rest, and it’s also a good idea to include something fun to look forward to each day. 

Small activities like reading, watching TV, or doing puzzles, for example, can be great ways to break up the day, and something like sudoku could be an ideal option because it’ll keep them mentally engaged without needing much physical effort. 

Look After Yourself Too

Caring for someone after surgery can be massively tiring, especially if you’re also juggling work, family, or other responsibilities. That’s why it’s important to rest, eat properly, and take breaks – and always ask for help if you need it because an exhausted, burnt-out carer can’t provide the best care.