Surgical treatment has become a common practice in the medical world since procedures have become much safer and sanitary over the years. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) report that there are around 48 million surgical procedures that take place every year in America. Many of these surgeries are performed on senior citizens, and an increasing elderly population means that a growing percentage of these surgical patients are in their later years. Anyone can experience hardships immediately following their surgery, but luckily for elderly patients, there are several aftercare options.
Home Care
Home care is a very popular option amongst elderly people and their families. This allows an individual to rest and recuperate within the privacy of their own home. Dependent on the type of surgery that took place, a senior citizen could need vastly varying amounts of at-home care. In many instances, family members can provide the majority of necessary care.
Even when family members are present however, it’s usually necessary to have specialists visit the home occasionally for certain medical reasons. Many families, for instance, bring in an occupational therapist to help their elderly loved one recover more expediently. As long as a family member is willing to spend the time and money necessary to take care of their relative, in-home care is a good option for after surgery care.
Inpatient Rehabilitation Hospitals
Inpatient rehabilitation hospitals are usually located within an acute care hospital. This option is great for those who may need extensive medical care and therapy following their surgery. Unfortunately, this is often the case when it comes to elderly surgical patients. There are actually a few benefits related to this type of care:
- Several specialties of professionals available
- Rehab nurses
- Pastoral care often available
- Care takes place within medical facility
- Recreational therapy
Inpatient rehabilitation hospitals are often reserved for those who can not only afford the option but also need continuous comprehensive care. Being that this setting is usually within a medical facility, there are very few medical needs that cannot immediately be met.
Assisted Living Facilities
Assisted living facilities are another popular choice in after surgery care for elderly individuals. This type of care provides many of the benefits related to inpatient and home care without several of the downfalls of traditional nursing homes. These facilities, such as assisted living Dunwoody GA, tend to be much like living in a condo or home, so it’s much easier for elderly individuals to adjust to the change.
In addition, assisted living programs offer many independent living perks which everyone enjoys at any age, while also providing fully managed healthcare. This can include management of medication and help with necessary activities like walking, bathing, eating and dressing. On top of this, most of these facilities also offer in-house medical care, and this means that an individual can enjoy the benefits of independent living without having to constantly travel to doctor’s appointments or travel from far away to a medical facility in case of emergency.
Surgical aftercare is an absolute necessity for elderly individuals. The chance of complications for the aging population after surgical procedures is high, and without appropriate care, a blessing can sometimes turn into a tragedy. Everyone should consider their own or their relative’s options when it comes to surgical aftercare, and only after careful consideration should an option be chosen.
An experienced senior parent caregiver, Ann Bailey relates these choices for proper after-surgery care when the patient may need age-related assistance. Senior living situations in well equiped residences such as assisted living Dunwoody GA, can offer all of the help and special care a post-surgical senior may need.
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