Recovering from surgery can be especially demanding for older adults. Alongside the physical healing, it often takes time to rebuild strength, confidence and independence.
If you or someone you love is preparing for an operation, having a post-op care plan in place can ease the pressure for everyone involved. It can help the person recovering feel supported and secure, while giving family peace of mind during what can be an emotional, uncertain time. In this guide, we’ll look at gentle, practical ways to support recovery at home and when extra help may be needed.
How long are you in recovery after surgery?
Recovery time looks different for everyone. It can depend on the type of surgery, your age, your overall health and how smoothly things go in the days after your operation. Some people begin to feel more like themselves within a few weeks, while others may need a few months of steady support and rehabilitation.
For older adults, recovery can sometimes take a little longer. This is completely normal. The body may heal more slowly and it can take time to rebuild stamina, mobility and confidence, particularly if there has been a hospital stay or a period of reduced movement.
Although your hospital team will give guidance before you go home, it can help to think of recovery in stages:
- The first few days at home: settling in, managing pain and medication, resting well and having support with meals, washing and moving around safely
- The first few weeks: gradually increasing activity, attending follow-up appointments and beginning physiotherapy or gentle exercises if advised
- The weeks and months that follow: regaining strength and independence, monitoring for setbacks and building a routine that supports long term wellbeing
It’s also worth remembering that recovery is not always a straight line. There may be good days and more difficult ones, especially when fatigue sets in or mobility feels limited. Having the right support in place can make these moments feel less overwhelming.
If you’re unsure what to expect, speak to the surgeon, ward nurse or GP about typical recovery times for that procedure and what ‘normal’ healing should look like at each stage. This can help you plan ahead and know when to seek advice if something doesn’t feel right.
The basics of post-surgery recovery for older adults
Recovering at home after surgery can be significantly more complex for older adults when compared to younger patients. There are several reasons for this, including slower healing rates, the increased likelihood of chronic conditions and reduced mobility.
That does not mean recovery at home is not possible, it simply means it may take a little more planning, patience and practical support. It can also help to remember that healing is not just physical. Older adults may feel more tired, unsettled or anxious after an operation, especially if they have spent time in hospital or experienced changes to their routine.
Creating a senior-friendly recovery environment
There are several things you can do to create a home that supports and aids your loved one’s recovery process, including:
- Safety-proof the home: Remove trip hazards, ensure lights are bright, install grab bars in the bathroom, and ensure commonly used items are easily reachable.
- Create a comfortable resting area: Bring the bed downstairs or turn the sofa into a temporary bed while your loved one recovers to prevent the use of stairs.
- Manage their medications: Organise your loved one’s medications in a clearly labelled pill box, set up reminders for dosages, and ensure prescriptions are filled before they run out.
- Create a nutrition plan: Certain foods can aid recovery, so create a nutritious meal plan and batch-cook meals that can be easily reheated within minutes.
Read our helpful guide on how to recover from surgery when living alone for more practical tips.
Keeping your loved one comfortable at home
Managing pain is one of the most crucial aspects of the post-operative healing process. Depending on the surgery they underwent, your loved one may be in a lot of pain.
Keep them comfortable when they return home by:
- Offering pain medication on a schedule
- Ensure they have a comfortable place to rest
- Plan for safe sleeping arrangements
- Help them change positions regularly to avoid pressure sores
- Invest in supportive aids, such as a walker, if needed
Make adjustments to your loved one’s home so they can remain as independent as possible while remaining safe and comfortable. Every surgery has a unique impact on the body, so consider what your loved one will be facing and adjust your plan accordingly.
Monitoring their symptoms
Older adults may be more prone to developing a range of symptoms and emotional impacts after surgery. While many of these are often normal, you should consult their doctor if their symptoms persist and worsen over time.
Some symptoms are more concerning than others, so keep an eye out for:
- Severe pain: Pain can negatively impact an older adult’s physical and mental health. Ask their doctor for stronger pain medication to aid their healing process.
- Confusion or delirium: Some older adults may struggle with their mental state after surgery, inducing worrying symptoms like delirium. This should be temporary, but it’s best to get it checked out by a professional anyway.
- Loss of mobility: Reduced mobility is often normal after surgery, but a complete loss of it can increase your loved one’s fall risk and stall healing.
- Excessive bruising or swelling: Some swelling and bruising are normal, but if symptoms persist or you’re concerned, ask your loved one’s doctor for reassurance.
Finding a balance between rest and exercise
Rest is incredibly important during recovery, so encouraging your loved one to slow down and utilise their energy for recovery rather than anything else is essential. Find fun activities to do together that promote rest, such as watching a movie together or listening to music.
However, keeping older adults moving is equally important during post-op recovery. Gentle movements can promote blood flow and aid in healing, so it’s essential to find a healthy balance between rest and exercise. Their doctor may prescribe physical therapy or daily exercises, which you can assist with.
Keep in mind that physical therapy can be uncomfortable or even painful. Encourage your loved one to take regular breaks. They should get easier as they regain mobility, but give them grace and support with positive comments as they adjust.
Should you hire a professional carer for post-op care?
As you prepare for your loved one’s surgery, you might consider the possibility of hiring a professional carer for extra support. Family carers can provide daily assistance, but they may have other responsibilities to attend to, which prevents them from providing 24-hour care.
You may consider a professional postoperative carer for an older loved one if:
- You are responsible for multiple other people’s well-being, such as children
- You have a demanding career that requires a lot of time and energy
- You live far away from your loved one who’s getting surgery
Caring for a family member can be strenuous and create tension from the shifted power dynamic. If you’re concerned about not having enough time to cope with this change or provide your loved one with a high standard of care, you may want to consider exploring live-in or visiting care options.
Post-op recovery at home: what can carers do?
Carers play an important role in helping older adults recover from surgery at home.
There are several ways you or a professional carer can support your loved one through their recovery, from practical support to simple companionship:
- Emotional support: Regular companionship can prevent feelings of isolation and loneliness, ensuring your loved one always has someone to confide in.
- Physical care: Assistance with mobility and personal care can help your loved one maintain hygiene and comfort, making them feel better and more confident.
- Medical liaison: Care can help your loved one communicate with their healthcare providers for reassurance that their recovery is progressing as planned.
- Domestic help: Carers can assist your loved one with light housework, errands, and pet care, allowing them to focus on recovery rather than managing the household.
- Foster independence: One-on-one home care gives your loved one more time to foster independence and get back on their feet in a shorter period of time.
- Symptom monitoring: Carers can closely monitor their loved one’s symptoms to ensure they are improving each day.
- Medication and PT reminders: Your loved one’s carer can provide gentle reminders of when it’s time to take their medication and repeat their physical therapy exercises.
At Trinity Homecare, we recognise that every individual’s post-operative recovery period is unique. For this reason, we’ll sit down with you and your loved one to create an individualised care plan tailored to their exact needs, wants, preferences and requirements. We encourage independence through bespoke care, upholding dignity and respect at all times.
Talk to Trinity Homecare today
If your loved one requires home care, chat with one of our friendly care team today. We offer a free, no-obligation enquiry and assessment service and are happy to offer information and advice to help you find the perfect home care solution.
Call us on 0207 183 4884 in confidence for a free no obligation quotation. If enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next day.
