For most cases, when a loved one needs to have their appendix removed, an appendectomy, it’s a sudden decision based upon your loved one’s safety and thus doesn’t provide a lot of time to make recovery plans. Because of the immediate nature of an appendectomy, you might find that no one in the family can step in and be there with your loved one as she recovers. When this is the case, have a 24-hour home care team step in to assist your loved one around the home and with transportation during those first few weeks after surgery.
Why Does an Appendix Need to be Removed?
The appendix is a small organ that extends from the colon to the abdomen. It has no function and when it’s healthy, it causes no problem for most people. But, because it’s so small, just a little bit of inflammation can put it in jeopardy of bursting. An appendix that bursts can quickly lead to serious health complications when the infection spreads out into the body, causing sepsis. Because all of that can happen quite quickly, if your loved one is determined to have an inflamed appendix, it’s usually recommended for immediate removal.
Helping Your Elderly Parent Recover from an Appendectomy
If your loved one is already frail or has other health or mobility complications, recovery from a simple surgery like an appendectomy can take a bit longer than for younger, healthier individuals and she may need some extra help around the home as she recovers for several weeks. Here are a few areas she might need help with.
- 24-Hour Home Care
Your elderly loved one will be able to walk around the home soon after surgery, but some activities will be limited. She shouldn’t lift any heavy objects like a load of laundry or a large bag of pet food. She might need help keeping up with some regular home care tasks like taking care of her pets or getting the garbage to the curb each week.
- Transportation
Your loved one should not drive while taking prescription pain medications and may need help picking up prescriptions or attending doctor checkups. Once she is no longer taking pain medications, she still shouldn’t drive until her wound is healed enough that she can sit comfortably for long periods.
- Diet
Your loved one can return to a normal diet but the surgery may lead to constipation. Helping to ensure she gets plenty of fiber can help reduce that risk.
- Medication Management
Staying on top of the pain by taking medications promptly will help your loved one recover with less pain. She also might have antibiotics to take if the appendix did rupture either before or during surgery. If she has other medications she takes, she should check with her doctor about the best way to take all of her medications safely
- Incision Care
She might need help with wound care if she struggles to reach it or see it.
24-Hour Home Care Can Step in For Recovery Help
A 24-hour home team will always have someone at the home so whether your loved one needs help during the day or in the middle of the night, someone will always be there to make sure she stays safe during her recovery.
If you or an aging loved one are considering 24-Hour Home Care Services in Quincy MA, please get in touch with the caring staff at Care Resolutions, Inc. today. (508) 906-5572
CARE Resolutions, Inc. provides quality 24-Hour Home Care for seniors and families in Walpole, Dover, Wellesley, Framingham, Norfolk, Quincy, Weston, Medfield, Boston, Sherborn MA, and surrounding areas.
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