How to Help Your Loved One Recover from Surgery

by

Recovering from a major surgery is no easy ordeal, therefore, if your loved one has recently undergone a serious operation, you should do everything you can to help them get back to speed. Although your friend or family member may not want to bother you, the truth is that recovering from a surgery is an extremely strenuous task.

All that your loved one should be during that very moment is focusing on getting better – not worrying about making the next meal for their kids or taking the dog out for a walk. There are a thousand and one ways that you can help someone recover from a major surgery, here are just eight of our favorite ways. Keep reading to find out what they are…

Set up a Meal Schedule

You may not be able to cook and prepare every meal for your loved one, but you could organize a meal schedule to help make life easier. Ask other relatives and friends whether they could make an extra meal and portion it up for them in the fridge. All they’ll need to do is pop it in the microwave and enjoy.

Help with Their Kids (or Animals)

Looking after kids or animals whilst trying to recover from a serious surgery makes the entire ordeal much more stressful so why not offer a helping hand? You could ask if they need you to pick up the kids from school or arrange a playdate with your own kids. If they have a pet, offer to take them for a walk to give them some extra time to rest.

Get Some Chores Done

More often than not, your loved one will just need plenty of rest during their recovery. You can help them relax by getting some typical household chores done. If you don’t have the time to do these yourself, why not collect some money between family members or friends and arrange for a cleaner to come by.

Help Keep Their Wounds Clean

One of the most important parts of the recovery process is ensuring the affected area doesn’t get any worse. You’ll need to avoid the possibility of infection by keeping the wounds clean. You could bring them some allevyn life foam dressing or antiseptic liquid and help them change their bandages.

Bring Over Some Entertainment

If your loved one is bound to go a bit bonkers with so much free time on their hands, you can help them keep occupied by bringing over some entertainment. You could even create a small basket with movies, books, magazines, and puzzle pocketbooks to keep them busy for hours on end.

Keep in Contact with the Medical Team

If you’re really close with your loved one, you should try to keep in contact with the medical team and liaise with them during the recovery process to find out where you can help. Ask what type of lifestyle they should be leading in the months following the operation. You can also enquire about the level of care they will need and what to expect after they’re discharged from the hospital.

Ring Them Up for a Chat

When there are hundreds of miles between you and your loved one, it can often feel like there’s not much you can do to help. However, even something as simple as ringing them up for a chat can make all the difference during the recovery period. Give them a call every once and a while to boost their morale and make sure they’re on the mend.

Take Care of Yourself Too

At the end of the day, you’ll need to make sure you’re taking care of yourself too. If you’re not in great health, you won’t be much help to those around you. That’s why you should always share the responsibility of the aftercare with others in your social circle. If you find that it’s all a bit too much, don’t hesitate to take a break and ask for help.

Many people don’t like to admit when they need help, however, it’s always best to offer your support regardless. Don’t take no for an answer. Help your loved one with their daily tasks, check up on them to make sure they’re eating correctly, and keep in contact as often as you can. Most importantly, let them know that you are there for them. Slowly but surely, you’ll see them in much better spirits and nearing the end of their recovery process.

Jeff Campbell
Latest posts by Jeff Campbell (see all)