Tips on post operative care for an older woman

mintymoneysaver

Is there a tv in the bedroom?

pigpen

I got a nice soft waterproof sheet from dunelm.

Some boiled sweets or fruit or biscuits for her to nibble without having to ask for it... and an endless supply of tea! If she drinks juice maybe a bottle close for her to help herself to.

fresh flowers every couple of days to brighten up the room.

But best of all just going up to sit with her and chat for a while a few times a day will probably do her more good. See if you can get a couple of her friends to pop by if she is likely to be out of the circuit a while.

Don't forget to take her dog up to see her!

Pixiechic

Book tapes are a great suggestion, puzzle books, jigsaw puzzles that fit a lap tray. We gave Grandma a whistle which she found quite amusing! It can be frustrating when you want something but can't get it, we put a wicker basket by Gram's table which had bits and pieces in. Things like pens, notelets, writing paper and envelopes, stamps, manicure set, mirror, diary and address and personal phone book, tissues, hand cream, hair net, boiled sweets, something to clean eye glasses, hairbrush or comb. Useful things that she may not want to keep troubling you for but that she may just want at hand. Makes you feel more at home I think. Gram liked a hot water bottle for her feet. Gram had a teas made in the room and the time could be set on it.

coconutaddict

Hello
I would recommend staying out of bed as much as possible if her condition allows. Staying in bed can be very risky with the chance of both chest infection and deep vein thrombosis is high.
Encourage a gradual improvement in mobility by increasing distance daily and encourage circulatory exercises when resting (bracing knees down when laying and ankles up and down to improve flow in leg veins).
If she is unsteady on her feet, encourage her to walk with supervision until this improves.
If you are in a house, encourage her to be downstairs and be dressed in day clothes, rather than in nightwear during the day, which can worsen her frailty.
A baby monitor (if you have one) may be better than a bell!

Good luck

Errata

lostinrates wrote: »

Ooh, thats a good idea. The phone has intercom but not sure she'll feel comfortable trying to use that.

where should I buy a waterproof bed cover, that's another excellent idea!

Marks & Spencer waterproof mattress covers aren't crackly and I have personal experience of their effectiveness http://www.marksandspencer.com/Marks-and-Spencer-Waterproof-Protector/dp/B00113PTWO?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_2&nodeId=192431031&sr=1-2&qid=1298671259&pf_rd_r=0NR7RBKHNJHZRTACS9KE&pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=43782030&pf_rd_p=215570647&pf_rd_s=related-items-3
Mobility is really important; she's not ill, she's convalescing so increasing mobility every day should be an aim. Give her a duster

lostinrates

Thank you, thank you for all these wonderful suggestions. I'd love her ''doing stuff'' but a bt scared to push her to dust etc, but I'll have light jobs in a list for if she shows indication of listlessness and willingness....I wouldn't say ''battle axe'' after all she's my Mummy I'm looking forward to spending some time with her but I'm also mindful that it might not be very easy.

she's very down ATM, and from past exerience that can see her sleeping many more hours than waking. There isn't a tv up there, but I don't think she'll mind that....we're not terribly ''tv'' people. Audio books are a great idea as she said she's struggling with books (which is frightful as she is a tremendous reader)

She has lots of home exercises from the physio. My hope is she'll come down stairs in the daytime...they've said she can do stairs, but we have a rather daunting staircase if you feel dodgy....(in fact, hen she comes down stairs would be the time to have a clean up and then bring what's needed down stairs.)

I'm really grateful, I'm going to put things in a nice basket (the one I usually keep loo rolls in )

Errata

If she's spending a lot of time in bed, for whatever reason, it would be wise to check her every day for any signs of pressure sores starting. They can develop quite rapidly.

BitterAndTwisted

If she can get down the stairs or be helped down, then she must be encouraged to dress and do so. That way, she can be involved with what's going on in the house and meet any visitors who turn up. I'd be thinking of some "essential" jobs she might be able to help you with just to get her up and about and making a mental list of visitors you can ask to pop round for five minutes for some company. If she's the "fearsome" type she won't want anyone to see her floating about or lingering in bed in her nightie.

sueeve

Are yoiu sure that the lower bed would help her? I have had various ops, also bad back and 2 post op shoulders and I actually find a higher bed easier, less spring needed to stand up etc. Have you spoken with the physio in the hospital? She may be able to advise, and have other suggestions.

ERICS_MUM

If she can't concentrate on books for long, what about some glossy magazines she can just flick through. You can get them for almost all interests nowadays.

I agree about the daily routine and also getting dressed and keeping groomed a much as poss (hair, nails, perhaps a bit of lippy, her usual perfune etc).

Best wishes to mum for a good recovery, and good luck to you for all the hard (but rewarding) work ahead of you.


Linda xx