Post-Surgery Home Care: What You Need to Know

Coming home from the hospital after surgery is just the beginning of recovery. Many people need several days, weeks, or months to feel like themselves again. 

In this situation, temporary post-surgery home care services may be beneficial. Non-medical home care services help facilitate a quicker recovery following an operation, primarily because loved ones receive care where they are most comfortable—their homes!

Let’s discuss how temporary caregiving services can help provide much-needed support to those recovering from surgery.

Why is Post-Surgery Home Care Necessary?

Whether someone is recovering from knee, hip, or shoulder surgery, cancer treatments, back surgery, heart surgery, a C-section birth, or any other surgery or illness, recovery will not be instantaneous. 

Following most surgeries, it's normal for life to change—and even regular, everyday activities can be more challenging! Many doctors also recommend “taking things slow” and getting plenty of rest after surgery. Therefore, it’s vital to have some extra support at home. 

While family and friends often help during the critical post-surgery period, it can be overwhelming and stressful. That’s where professional home care can ease the burden and ensure everyone involved in post-surgery care is well-rested, alert, and healthy. 

After-Surgery Home Care Examples

Depending on the type of surgery and the healthcare provider's recommendations, treatment and recovery plans will be individualized to each patient. 

Most people may need to follow a schedule of bed rest, allowing the body time to heal after the operation, followed by a slow “ramp up” of everyday activities. As a general rule, however, most patients should avoid strenuous movement to give their bodies enough time to recover. 

Moving too quickly, for example, can cause complications and lengthen the recovery time.

• In some cases, the healthcare team may prescribe medications that need to be taken on a regular schedule, such as painkillers. 
• They may have their patient do range-of-motion exercises and follow a restricted diet. 
• There may also be post-surgery doctors’ appointments to attend. 

With these restrictions and instructions, you can see how important post-surgery home care services are! 

Home care services are typically non-medical in nature and can include: 

• Activities of daily living (ADLs): dressing, eating, toileting, grooming, bathing, transfers, positioning, and mobility.
• Instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs): shopping, paying bills, and meal prep
• Some health-related tasks, such as range of motion exercises and medication reminders
• Redirection or observation of behaviors.

A caregiver can also provide emotional support and companionship for the individual recovering from surgery. 

After-Surgery Home Care Cost

DID YOU KNOW...programs exist that will compensate family caregivers. Therefore, caregivers must understand their resources and how to get paid for caring for a family member. 

Becoming certified as a personal care assistant (PCA) can help alleviate the stress of providing home care services for a loved one recovering from surgery. 

Suppose the individual recovering from surgery lives in Minnesota and qualifies for certain medical or financial criteria. In that case, they may be able to pay their caregiver through a state healthcare program called Medical Assistance.

Learn more about your options for paying for home care services.

Find Support Today! 

Whether the home care services are short-term or long-term, they provide peace of mind to the individual recovering from surgery and their loved ones. Remember, Best Care is here to help with all your questions related to family caregiving!

Contact us for questions or to find the resources you need to take the next step!