Surgery can be taxing on the body and mind. In the days and weeks following the operation, it may be difficult to perform simple tasks. While your family members will likely do their best to support you, consider hiring a professional caregiver as well. Review this guide to learn about the services they can provide.

Why You Should Have a Caregiver After Surgery

1. Allows You to Rest

Rest is crucial for postoperative recovery. You may feel fatigued in the days and weeks after the procedure, making it difficult to perform daily tasks such as shopping for groceries, picking up medications, and cooking meals. 

These activities can also require bending, lifting, and stretching movements that put stress on the surgical site. A caregiver can take over these duties to protect you from hurting yourself or becoming worn out. 

2. Helps with Post-Op Care

You may need someone around to help you with certain healing-related tasks. While a significant other might be able to help, they likely have other responsibilities to take care of.

Also, unless your partner is a trained medical professional, they may not have the expertise to track your health like a caregiver can. A professional will detect any complications, such as a fever, infection, swelling, or excessive bleeding. They can also change the dressings on the surgical site, oversee medication administration, and assist if you feel nauseous or dizzy.  

3. Provides Company 

Recovering from a major surgery can be both physically and emotionally challenging. You may feel alone, especially if your family members can't stay home to keep you company. 

While you may have guests in the first few days, the frequency of these visits will likely taper off as people return to their daily lives. Isolation, combined with any pain and difficulty sleeping, may increase the risk of depression and inhibit healing. A professional caregiver can provide companionship and emotional support to help you through this challenging period. 

If you need a caregiver in LeFlore County, OH, after a major surgery, turn to Advantage Home Health & Hospice. Based in Poteau, this home health care agency has served the community for more than 50 years, providing physical therapy, nursing care, and post-op support. Call (918) 647-0653 to speak with a caring staff member about how they can help you. Visit the website to learn more about the agency and their offerings.