When preparing for an operation, it can be difficult to know who to turn to for help throughout recovery. A common misconception of care options is that they are only for long-term commitments, making them unsuitable for those who only require short-term assistance after an operation.
For this reason, many people are choosing to explore short-term live-in care solutions. Rather than temporarily moving to a residential or nurse-led setting, you can receive support from the comfort of your own home. Today, we’ll explore everything you need to know about getting short-term help after surgery.
Types of Short-Term Care Available After Surgery
Returning home after being discharged post-surgery can be daunting, especially when you live alone. However, even if you don’t have a reliable support system available to help with recovery, you don’t have to go through it alone. There are several care options available, both at home and in professional settings.
The type of care available to you depends on a number of factors, but you may be able to choose from:
Postoperative Care at Home
Postoperative care is a type of short-term respite care that delivers extra support when recovering from surgery at home. It’s the most common type of care offered to patients who only need short-term assistance with tasks of daily living, such as cooking, housekeeping and mobility assistance. Home care gives you the freedom to recover at home with one-on-one care, promoting independence wherever possible.
Residential Home Care Facilities
You may be able to temporarily move into a care home after your operation. This option is available to people who don’t have the space to accommodate a live-in carer in their home. You’ll receive round-the-clock assistance throughout your recovery, but support may not be as readily available as carers are responsible for multiple residents.
Nurse-Led Rehabilitation Services
Nurse-led facilities are suitable for people who need complex care after their surgery. This could include wound monitoring and frequent redressing, or medication management. Nursing services are a good option for people who are at higher risk of symptoms or complications following an operation, or if the surgery requires in-depth aftercare.
Hospital Reablement Care
Depending on your circumstances and situation following surgery, your hospital might offer an extended stay for reablement care. This is usually offered immediately after your operation to support an early and timely discharge from hospital. Your healthcare team will help you regain skills while in a professional setting where you can be continuously monitored.
Which Short-Term Care Option Is Right For You?
The care solution you choose depends on your personal preference and support requirements post-discharge. Most patients who experience a straightforward, successful surgery can return home to familiar surroundings with a live-in carer to support a positive, comfortable recovery.
However, others may need complex care from a dedicated nursing team or other healthcare professionals. Ask your primary healthcare provider about your care options and what they’d recommend for your post-operative recovery.
Benefits of Postoperative Home Care
There are several benefits of choosing to recover at home after surgery with the help of a live-in postoperative carer, including:
- Minimises complication risk: Postoperative care can reduce the risk of blood clots, infections and pneumonia through professional risk assessment and management.
- Reduces pain and discomfort: Through proper comfort and adequate rest, postoperative pain can be managed more effectively.
- Promotes quick healing: A carer will monitor your symptoms and help with your rehabilitation exercises to promote a speedy recovery.
- Provides companionship: Postoperative care includes emotional support and a listening ear to improve mental well-being after a major life event.
- Improved quality of life: Many patients find life easier and more manageable after surgery when they have a trusted carer to rely on.
- Fosters independence: Home care gives you enough one-on-one time from a carer to foster independence and get you back on your feet in a shorter amount of time.
To learn more, download our guide to care at home after hospital discharge.
Is Short-Term Care Worth It?
Some people wonder whether utilising professional care for only a few days or weeks is really worth it. However, there are several reasons to seek short-term care after an operation instead of pushing through by yourself. The most important reason is that postoperative care can prevent complications after surgery.
While your healthcare team would’ve taken every precaution before, during and after surgery to prevent complications, issues still may arise. These include:
- Immediate complications, occurring within three days (e.g. shock, haemorrhage)
- Early complications, occurring within the first few weeks (e.g. bleeding, infection)
- Late complications, occurring years afterwards (e.g. loss of muscle ability, lung complications)
A professional carer will monitor your symptoms and offer 24/7 care to make sure you receive assistance and medical attention should you need it. Having someone around can also calm your fears of infection, falls or over-exerting yourself, making the recovery process easier and hopefully quicker.
Can You Have Short-Term Postoperative Care?
Yes, anyone who has recently undergone a surgical procedure can seek postoperative care, regardless of their age or lifestyle. Everyone can benefit from assistance after surgery when they’re not feeling their best and need to prioritise rest to make a quick recovery. Short-term postoperative care is for:
- Surgical patients: Depending on the surgery you have, you could need to rest for weeks or months. Postoperative care gives you the chance to do this without the burden of domestic chores putting strain on your recovery.
- Older adults: Our capacity decreases as we get older, increasing complications after surgery. A few weeks with a professional carer can promote a positive outcome and offer emotional and physical support.
- Family members: Many surgical patients turn to loved ones after surgery, putting strain on their daily schedules and relationships. Postoperative care allows them to support you without the stress of being a full-time carer.
How Country Cousins Can Help
Country Cousins offers live-in care for as long as you need it, whether that’s a few days, weeks or months. We’ll match you with one of our fully trained, compassionate carers with experience in postoperative care. Our aim is to help you make the smoothest, quickest recovery possible by promoting independence and getting you back on your feet as soon as it’s safe to do so.
Our postoperative services include:
- Assistance with bathing, dressing and oral hygiene
- Encouragement to continue hobbies and social activities
- Companionship and emotional support
- Meal preparation and nutrition planning to aid recovery
- Help with gentle rehabilitation exercises
- Symptom management and mobility support
- Light housekeeping and pet care
Our live-in carers are on hand to provide as much support as you require after surgery. We treat every client with the utmost respect and dignity, so no matter how long you need us, rest assured that you’ll be in safe, professional and friendly hands.
Talk to Our Team Today
As the UK’s longest-serving introductory live-in care agency, we have been providing compassionate live-in care to those who need it since 1959, all from the comfort of their own homes.
Give us a call today on 01293 224 706. Our experienced team is on hand to help from Monday to Friday, 9am to 6pm. Alternatively, contact us through our online enquiry form.
