It can be difficult to get surgery, but it can bring improvements to your life.As an elderly person, you want your surgery to go as smoothly as possible.Make your preferences known before your surgery and follow all directions.You should aim to reduce falls after the surgery.
Step 1: Your treatment preferences should be known to doctors and caregivers.
Discuss your treatment preferences with your health care team before you have surgery.If you don't agree with what the doctors do, you should document it.If you already have an advance directive, you should update it to reflect the risks of your surgery.Discuss any advance directives with your doctor and caregivers.If you want to be resuscitated and placed on life support, you should have an advance directive.
Step 2: Determine your power of attorney.
Before your surgery, you should have a trusted family member or friend talk to you about being your proxy.A proxy is a person you trust to make decisions for you when you can't.Someone you know will follow your orders if you choose a person you trust.All scenarios should be discussed with your proxy.You should let them know what procedures you don't like.Discuss your end of life wishes.The person who is responsible for making sure that your wishes are carried out will need to have a document signed.You can get this done by going to the hospital or doctor's office.
Step 3: Follow the directions.
The doctor will give you a list of things to do.You need to cut off food and beverages at a certain time.You won't be able to take certain medications leading up to the surgery.If you have to take those, stop taking them.Make sure you take all of the drugs your doctor gives you.
Step 4: Take a physical exam.
You need to have a physical exam before you have surgery.The doctor can determine the appropriate and safest anesthesia for you with the help of this exam.Your doctor will take a pain history during this visit to help design the right plan for you.
Step 5: You should arrange your transportation.
Discuss transportation to and from the hospital with your family, friends, or caregivers before your surgery.You won't be able to take public transportation, so you need someone who can help you get to the hospital.Within a few hours of being called about your discharge, the person who agrees to take you home should be available.They can take you to get your prescriptions filled.
Step 6: It's a good idea to plan for help at home.
Family, friends, and caregivers can help you after your surgery.Depending on the type of surgery and how long you stay in the hospital, the amount of care you need may be different.Determine who will help you and how long they can stay.If you have to, set a schedule.Getting out of bed, moving around the house, and getting your meals are some of the things that you need to care for at home.There is a home care company.If you need someone you already met, talk to the nurse.
Step 7: Prepare your home.
Before you go to the hospital, you should have things ready in your home.Cleaning, setting up your bed, and moving things into your room may be part of this.handrails or secure pieces of furniture are things you should put in your home.If you can't make it up the stairs, you should have an area to sleep on the ground floor.You need to have access to a bathroom downstairs.You will need to make arrangements if you don't.If you have to put safety measures around the house, like mats in the tub or night lights, you should do it.
Step 8: You need to buy foods for your diet.
You might need to follow a special diet after some surgeries.You will need to stock up on food during your recovery, so go to the grocery store.Meal prep should include washing and chopping vegetables and freezing casseroles.
Step 9: If you have professional care, arrange it.
You may need a home health professional to help you after your surgery.If you need a nurse, physical therapist, or other professional during your recovery, your doctor and caregivers can help.Even if you don't know you will need them, you should meet with the home health professionals.It will be easier to have someone come to your home if you need care.
Step 10: There are caregivers near you.
You are at risk of confusion after your surgery.This can cause you to be sleepy, aggressive, or agitated.You should ask a trusted family member or friend to be by your bedside.The symptoms of confusion can be reduced if there is a person there.Pain and lack of fluids are the main causes of confusion.
Step 11: Good sleep hygiene is important.
Quality sleep can contribute to confusion.Discuss with your doctor the best way to sleep after an operation.Sleeping without sleep aids can reduce your risk of confusion.Good sleep hygiene is something you should try to do.Try to get up at the same time every day.Light and television can distract you from sleeping in a room.If you can, try to sleep at least seven hours.
Step 12: The environment should be calm.
Stress can cause confusion.A calm environment is what you should be placed in.The area should be free of loud noises and activity if you are in the hospital.The amount of people coming and going should be limited.Limit your devices to restraining you.You should be surrounded by comforting objects.This may include photographs, pillows, blankets, or knickknacks.If you want to orient yourself, calendars and clocks should be near you.A clock with the date, day, and time is the best.It helps keep you calm because you know where you are.
Step 13: Needing items should be kept within reach.
There is a higher risk of falling after a surgery.You can reach them without getting up if you move the things close to you.You can make it more convenient by placing a table or tray next to your bed.If you put your phone, the remote, a beverage, medication, glasses, or a book on the table, you can easily get to it.
Step 14: Things should be placed around you.
When you go to the bathroom, you have to move around.If you are able to walk, you should place things like handrails or secure things to hold on to the path.You can ask someone to help set up a path for you to walk.Make sure that your paths are safe by asking a doctor to visit your home.
Step 15: Wear clothes that are secure.
Your fall risk may be linked to your clothing.Don't wear large or long clothing that you could trip over or step on to make sure you stay safe.You should wear shoes that fit your feet.Don't wear anything that may make you fall, you can still dress comfortably.
Step 16: Walkways should be well lit.
Trying to walk in the dark can lead to a fall.There should be night lights in hallways and dark rooms.During the night, you may want to keep lamps on in all the rooms so you can see.
Step 17: Discuss new medication with your doctor.
When you go home, you should talk to the doctor about new medications.You should know how many new drugs you have, what they are called, and why you are taking them.If you don't understand, ask any questions and make sure you understand how to take the medication.Discuss any possible side effects with the doctor.
Step 18: You can get a list of follow-up appointments.
You should get a list of your future appointments when you are discharged.You may have appointments with your doctor.You may need additional lab tests.The person in charge of your discharge should write everything down for you.You should read the list back to the nurse.
Step 19: You should stay elevated after your surgery.
If you can, try to stay upright after your surgery.The head of the bed should be elevated.If you can, get out of bed and eat.It's a good idea to sit up when you eat to avoid swallowing problems.After you finish a meal, you should stay upright for at least an hour.
Step 20: Make sure you get a nurse assessment.
It is necessary for you to turn yourself every few hours to avoid pressure ulcers after surgery.If you want to avoid these issues, you need to switch sides every two hours to relieve pressure on your body.If you need assistance in turning over, a nurse can assess you.If you do, they can help you set up care through a nursing service or a family member.If you don't get this assessment, you may not be able to turn yourself as often as you need to.Insurance usually covers a nursing assessment after surgery.