Tips for Seniors to Prepare for Surgery

Of surgeries performed in America, nearly 20% of those patients are seniors over the age of 65. Due to age, surgery can come with an increased risk of complications both during and after the procedure. There are many reasons for the increased risk. Aside from senior’s bodies being more delicate due to age, seniors can be sensitive to the drugs used during surgery, such as anesthesia. The same amount of drug that is traditionally used for every patient can have a varying effect on the elderly.

With any surgery, it is important to receive as much information about the procedure, physicians, and outcome as possible. There is no such thing as too many questions, so be sure to ask about any concerns that you have for you or your family member.

Here are a few ideas of questions you would want to know the answer to:

Tell me about the procedure: where will it be performed, what do I need to do beforehand, etc
Anesthesia: what type will I receive, who will be my anesthesia provider, when can I speak with an anesthesiologist, etc
The healing process: how long is the recovery time, how long will I be in the hospital, what pain can I expect to experience, etc

For seniors and their families, there are ways to prepare for surgery that can give you a better chance for a speedy recovery following a surgical procedure. Prior to your surgical date, you can begin to change your daily habits to match what you would be expected to do after surgery. For example, you may need to change your diet or nutritional routine. You also may need to begin doing some light exercises after your surgery. If you can begin these practices beforehand, you will better prepare your body for what to expect when you return home.

Consider if there are modifications to your home that may need to be made following surgery. Will you have trouble getting around? Will you need to make updates to your bathroom or install a chair lift? Prepare for any safety modifications that may need to be made to ensure you can still move comfortably around your home.

To recover, you may need the assistance of a home care nurse. Your family may be able to assist, but your recovery process could require a more dedicated focus which can be found in a nurse. If this is the case, interview for this individual prior to your surgery to better prepare you and the nurse to begin your healing process.

Surgery can seem very scary for seniors. At Alma Health Skilled Services, we want to make the process as easy as possible. Contact one of our Service Coordinators for assistance throughout your journey to preparing and recovering from your surgical procedure.

WP_Post Object
(
    [ID] => 902
    [post_author] => 8
    [post_date] => 2017-03-07 13:00:30
    [post_date_gmt] => 2017-03-07 18:00:30
    [post_content] =>  

Of surgeries performed in America, nearly 20% of those patients are seniors over the age of 65. Due to age, surgery can come with an increased risk of complications both during and after the procedure. There are many reasons for the increased risk. Aside from senior's bodies being more delicate due to age, seniors can be sensitive to the drugs used during surgery, such as anesthesia. The same amount of drug that is traditionally used for every patient can have a varying effect on the elderly.



With any surgery, it is important to receive as much information about the procedure, physicians, and outcome as possible. There is no such thing as too many questions, so be sure to ask about any concerns that you have for you or your family member.

Here are a few ideas of questions you would want to know the answer to:

 	Tell me about the procedure: where will it be performed, what do I need to do beforehand, etc
 	Anesthesia: what type will I receive, who will be my anesthesia provider, when can I speak with an anesthesiologist, etc
 	The healing process: how long is the recovery time, how long will I be in the hospital, what pain can I expect to experience, etc

For seniors and their families, there are ways to prepare for surgery that can give you a better chance for a speedy recovery following a surgical procedure. Prior to your surgical date, you can begin to change your daily habits to match what you would be expected to do after surgery. For example, you may need to change your diet or nutritional routine. You also may need to begin doing some light exercises after your surgery. If you can begin these practices beforehand, you will better prepare your body for what to expect when you return home.

Consider if there are modifications to your home that may need to be made following surgery. Will you have trouble getting around? Will you need to make updates to your bathroom or install a chair lift? Prepare for any safety modifications that may need to be made to ensure you can still move comfortably around your home.

To recover, you may need the assistance of a home care nurse. Your family may be able to assist, but your recovery process could require a more dedicated focus which can be found in a nurse. If this is the case, interview for this individual prior to your surgery to better prepare you and the nurse to begin your healing process.

Surgery can seem very scary for seniors. At Alma Health Skilled Services, we want to make the process as easy as possible. Contact one of our Service Coordinators for assistance throughout your journey to preparing and recovering from your surgical procedure.
    [post_title] => Tips for Seniors to Prepare for Surgery
    [post_excerpt] => 
    [post_status] => publish
    [comment_status] => closed
    [ping_status] => closed
    [post_password] => 
    [post_name] => tips-for-seniors-to-prepare-for-surgery
    [to_ping] => 
    [pinged] => 
    [post_modified] => 2017-03-07 08:48:09
    [post_modified_gmt] => 2017-03-07 13:48:09
    [post_content_filtered] => 
    [post_parent] => 0
    [guid] => http://www.almahealth.com/?p=902
    [menu_order] => 0
    [post_type] => post
    [post_mime_type] => 
    [comment_count] => 0
    [filter] => raw
)