There are many steps caregivers can take to make their elderly parent's surgery a little easier.
Before surgery:
- Make sure your parent has pre-operation tests and screenings, such as blood tests and x-rays.
- Be sure you have all your insurance questions answered.
- Make plans for any medical equipment or help with health care you will need when your parent goes home.
- Get written instructions about your parent's care, a phone number to call if you have a problem, and prescription medicines you'll need at home.
The day of surgery:
- Leave jewelry at home.
- Your parent shouldn't wear make-up or contact lenses to surgery.
Following surgery:
- Make sure you follow all your doctor's directions once your parent is home.
- Make sure your parent goes for their scheduled post-operative check-up.
- Ask your doctor when your parent can resume normal activities.