When an older parent or loved-one has surgery, getting home from hospital can feel like a
major milestone. However, completion of the operation itself is only the beginning of the
recovery journey. For most people, returning straight home is not the safest or most practical
option. A nursing home such as Country Lodge provides a temporary home to recover, regain
strength and receive invaluable support before returning home.
So, what exactly is post-operative care, and what should families and informal carers expect?
What is post-operative care?
Post-operative care is the care an individual receives immediately after an operation to help
recovery after surgery. It ensures they recover safely and return to a normal level of health
and independence.
But what does post-operative care involve?
Depending on the type of surgery, the person’s needs and preferences, their health before the
operation and any complications since, post-operative care may include:
● wound care,
● pain management,
● medication,
● nutrition,
● mobility support and physiotherapy,
● rehabilitation.
Planned, regularly reviewed and assisted recovery is particularly important for older people,
who may take longer to regain strength following an operation and can easily lose their
confidence in their own competence for independence following an operation. NHS guidance
recommends moving around as soon as it is safe to do so, following clinical advice and
gradually returning to normal activities. The key here is the word “gradual”. If you go
straight home, the return to normal levels of required activity can be overwhelming and
potentially disastrous, leading to a return to hospital.
For someone who is not quite ready to manage independently at home, a nursing home such
as Country Lodge can provide a supportive environment where care needs can be monitored
and reviewed via an individual electronic care plan ensuring rehabilitation is tailored and
effective. The RN team at Country Lodge will involve the GP, community nurses, district
nurses, other specialist teams, physiotherapy and other therapies where beneficial and with
the involvement of the resident.
A recovery after surgery plan will look different for every individual, which is why at Country Lodge Nursing Home, we focus so much on the individualised electronic care plan that is produced on admission and is under continual review. Personalised, regularly reviewed and documented care, ensures that the care adapts as the needs of the resident evolve.
Why might someone choose recovery after surgery in a nursing home?
Following an operation, it is highly advisable not to go directly home. An older person in particular may temporarily need more help with everyday activities such as washing, dressing, getting out of bed, using the toilet or preparing meals. A nursing home such as Country Lodge provides 24-hour personal care by highly experienced Health Care Assistants who are overseen by and work with the team of Registered Nurses. Rehabilitation needs can be carefully catered for to ensure on their return to home, the resident can safely manage for themselves without risk.
NHS England recognises community and care settings as appropriate places for some people to continue recovering after hospital treatment. A nursing home such as Country Lodge may therefore be part of a person’s recovery rather than a permanent destination. The length of stay will depend on their individual circumstances, progress and care needs. Whilst the minimum time you can usually book is 2 weeks; Country Lodges enables you to extend your stay beyond the 2 weeks if you need to on a week by week basis.
What does post-operative care involve?
The exact care provided will depend on the operation and the person’s health, but commonly includes:
Wound and surgical site care: Staff may monitor any wounds for signs of infection, swelling or other complications and ensure the hospital’s instructions regarding dressings and hygiene are followed meticulously.
Pain management: Pain is common after surgery. Care staff can administer prescribed medication and monitor whether pain is adequately controlled, reviewing it regularly with the GP and the resident themselves.
Medication management: Older people may return from hospital with new or changed medicines. Nursing staff can help ensure medicines are correctly administered and that any changes or reviews take place constructively and quickly to keep pain to an absolute minimum.
Mobility and rehabilitation: Getting moving safely is an important part of recovery. Depending on the operation, physiotherapists may provide exercises designed to improve strength, balance and mobility. The aim is to help the person regain as much independence as possible. Part of using physiotherapy effectively is being rested enough to do the exercises suggested. In a Nursing Home such as Country Lodge, not only can you be supported in doing the exercises, but you can rest in between because in residential nursing care all your needs are taken care of.
Nutrition and hydration: Eating and drinking adequately supports healing and rebuilding strength. Care Staff monitor food and fluid intake and identify problems such as poor appetite or difficulty swallowing. All is recorded in your personalised electronic care plan which can be reviewed by relatives and in a small nursing home such as Country Lodge, the Head Chef will meet with you individually to discuss your likes, dislikes, favourite dishes, allergies and nutritional needs following your operation. Recipes and choices will be tailored to you to aid your recovery.
Monitoring overall health: 24-hour care provided by Country Lodge ensures our Registered Nurses and Care Staff are observing any alterations in a resident’s condition and escalate concerns quickly when necessary with the necessary health care professionals.
How can children and informal carers help?
Being involved can make recovery feel less daunting for both the older person and their family. Before or shortly after discharge, ask the care team what the recovery plan involves and what you can realistically do to help.
Useful questions include:
- What operation did my parent have, and what should recovery look like?
- What medicines are they taking and why?
- What signs should we look out for?
- What exercises or mobility goals have been recommended?
- When will their progress be reviewed?
- Who should we contact if we are concerned?
- What needs to happen before they can return home?
NHS guidance emphasises involving patients and, where appropriate, their families and carers in discharge planning. Current NHS England guidance also stresses that carers should be involved meaningfully and that their ability and willingness to provide support should be considered.
It is equally important not to take on more than you can safely manage. Being an informal carer does not mean you have to provide every aspect of post-operative care yourself.
What happens when they are ready to go home?
The goal of short-term post-operative care is often to help someone regain sufficient strength and confidence to return home safely. Before discharge, the Care Team at Country Lodge will consider what support, equipment, medication and follow-up appointments are needed. This is the moment to check that the home environment is suitable. Depending on the resident’s condition, they may need equipment such as a walking frame, raised toilet seat or other aids. A plan will be put in place by the Care Team for you.
Supporting a safe and positive recovery
Recovery after surgery rarely happens overnight. An older parent may have good days and difficult days, and progress can sometimes feel slower than expected. Patience, encouragement and support make a significant difference. These are all on offer 24 hours a day at Country Lodge Nursing Home.
Most importantly, post-operative care should be personalised. The aim is not simply to help someone recover from an operation, but to help them regain confidence, function and independence wherever possible. This is where the electronic care plan provided by Country Lodge comes into focus – personalised care, regularly reviewed and monitored by Registered Nurses and the other health care professionals such as their GP.
For families and informal carers, understanding the recovery plan can make the transition from hospital to nursing-home care much less overwhelming. With the right combination of nursing support, rehabilitation and family involvement, a temporary nursing-home stay can provide an important bridge between surgery and returning to everyday life.
If you feel you or your loved one would benefit from residential care in a nursing home, with their own personalised care plan, please do not hesitate to contact us:
Book a tour directly through our website: www.countrylodgenursing.co.uk
Book a tour by telephone: 01903 840900
Book a tour by email: enquiry@countrylodgenursing.co.uk
We look forward to welcoming you to Country Lodge Nursing Home, Worthing, West Sussex.