Surgery can come with a lot of unknowns and the road to recovery can be a long and potentially bumpy one.
Having access to professional post-surgery nursing care at home can make a world of difference, helping patients heal and return to their daily lives without needing to stress about their care.
Here’s how nursing care can positively impact patients’ recovery times post-surgery:
Nursing care leads to better patient outcomes
Nursing care can impact a patient’s post-surgery recovery time in several ways. But perhaps most importantly, it leads to better health outcomes for patients.
Nurses focus on reducing potential complications, encouraging patients’ independence, and making sure patients have the information they need for a fast and safe recovery.
Nursing care in the home can reduce post-surgery anxiety
“I called Nurse Next Door as I was worried about my upcoming knee surgery. They suggested 24/7 care as I wanted to feel safe should I need help through the night,” says West Vancouver resident, Geraldine.
“They picked me up from the hospital, even carrying out all my belongings for me. They drove me to two follow-up appointments with my doctor. I didn’t have to worry about a thing. I would definitely recommend my friends to use their service as it was so easy and just so professional and friendly.”
Nurses can answer all of your health-related questions and can deliver accurate, unbiased information with empathy and compassion. They bring years of skills and training and can monitor your symptoms to ensure your recovery is proceeding, as it should.
In-home nursing care supports independence
Studies show that staying in bed for long periods of time can be damaging to older patients’ already-fragile health.
Not only can extended bed rest impact older people’s ability to walk independently, but it can also increase the loss of physical function and limit the ability to live independently.
However, a recent study found that patients who receive outpatient care at home spend about half as much time on their backs as those who remain in hospital, allowing them to live a healthier lifestyle as they recover.
Being cared for by a skilled nurse in the comfort of your own home has the added benefit of helping you stay independent. At home, you have access to all your belongings in a familiar place and can enjoy the company of friends and family without having to stick to restrictive visiting hours.
Home nursing care can extend to everyday tasks at home
Home care nurses make sure you feel comfortable in your environment and you have everything you need.
Nurses can give you medication reminders and support shaving, oral care, bathing, or any other personal hygiene tasks you may have difficulty with while in recovery. They can also support you with more complex medical treatments such as drug therapy and wound care.
The last thing you want to do is push yourself too hard following a surgery.
Home nurses and caregivers can assist you with physical chores like laundry, cooking, meal preparation, and any other small household tasks. Your caregiver can also provide transportation to and from your favorite activities.
Nursing care at home can be more cost-effective
Unlike patients who stay in hospitals and need around-the-clock care, home care costs are low due to lower costs of labour and fewer lab visits from specialists.
Other big benefits of private home nursing care are the personalization and control it offers. As a patient, you can work with your healthcare team to choose a care plan that suits you best.
From the number of nurse visits and how long they stay, to choosing the nurse that best matches your personality and healthcare needs, home care nursing helps patients feel empowered in their decision-making.
To learn more about the range of Nurse Next Door services, visit www.nursenextdoor.com or call 604.330.9930.
