Elderly Dad - cataract operation - aftercare

[Deleted User]

Dad is 82 lives alone. 30-40 mins drive from me.

Hes only got one good eye - one is pretty much no good at all and he needs a cataract operation on that one.

I understand with cataract its day surgery and go home same day - I don't think that's going to be suitable for him because he lives alone.

But an extra few days in hospital would be fine for him. He'd probably like it to be honest (weird I know).

Anyone got any experience? Is this what would happen in this situation or would they send him home the same day?

I guess District nurse or some help also?

Mojisola

[quote=[Deleted User];discussion/5258951]
I guess District nurse or some help also?[/QUOTE]

Dad had the operation done as day surgery and was sent home with an eye patch and some eye drops/cream which had to be put in a couple of times a day.

Errata

Dad needs to discuss his needs/wants with the treatment team before treatment.

kirtondm

I have plenty of px who live alone who undertake cataract surgery.

Cataract surgery is nowhere near as involved as it used to be.

The operation assuming no complications normally takes around 15min under a local anesthetic and the vision is normally instantly better.

He will need transport to the hospital as will be unable to drive on the day.

He will have a course of drops to put in for a few weeks afterwards.

It wouldn't make sense to admit him if he is a straightforward case.

BigAunty

MIL is in her 60s and has had a couple of cataract operations. Always home on the same day.

tomtontom

Ever heard the term bed blocking? That is exactly what this would be. Do you have any idea of what "an extra few days" costs the NHS?

Are you not capable of looking after your father yourself? I know he is some distance away but you make adjustments for things like this, just as your parents would have done when you were younger.

suki1964

My step dad had his done in his 80's, was home straight away

Theres no need whatsoever to stay in hospital. its an outpatient appointment, not even a DCU

if hes on his own then perhaps you would be as kind to go with him, bring him home and stay with him a few hours, get his tea and that

No district nurse call out either as its just eye drops and a patch

[Deleted User]

tomtontom wrote: »

Ever heard the term bed blocking? That is exactly what this would be. Do you have any idea of what "an extra few days" costs the NHS?

Are you not capable of looking after your father yourself? I know he is some distance away but you make adjustments for things like this, just as your parents would have done when you were younger.

To be honest, I dont really care what it costs the NHS.
I know full well what bed blocking is and this is not it. Staying in hospital when its more appropriate for his wellbeing is fair enough.

BTW- you don't know my personal situation and neither is it any of your business.

Please go and cause an argument elsewhere. Seems to be your thing on this forum.

Mojisola

tomtontom wrote: »

Are you not capable of looking after your father yourself?

suki1964 wrote: »

if hes on his own then perhaps you would be as kind to go with him, bring him home and stay with him a few hours, get his tea and that

Paul's Dad isn't the easiest of people to help, judging by previous posts.

[Deleted User]

Thanks for the sensible comments from some.

Thing is he cant use the other eye - the one being done is his good eye. Good to know that recovery time would be quick etc.

Getting to/from hospital would be sorted. Its just afterwards....
Not sure if he'd be ok putting his own drops in etc.

Errata

suki1964 wrote: »

My step dad had his done in his 80's, was home straight away

Theres no need whatsoever to stay in hospital. its an outpatient appointment, not even a DCU

if hes on his own then perhaps you would be as kind to go with him, bring him home and stay with him a few hours, get his tea and that

No district nurse call out either as its just eye drops and a patch

MY Bold: There can be every need to keep someone in overnight or even for a few days, generally there isn't but it does happen if there's a clinical reason for it.