Breast cancer is one of the prevalent forms of cancer in women. A painless lump is often the first sign of this cancer, which is why yearly mammograms are essential. Invasive breast cancer accounts for 81% of all breast cancers, so many women end up having a mastectomy of both breasts to remove the cancerous cells and stop them from spreading.
Your mom is having a mastectomy, and her surgeon recommends post hospital care. What services will help her recover at home?
Incision Care
Your mom will be in compression bandages that must be kept clean and dry until her surgeon advises otherwise. Once she can remove them, a skilled nurse should help clean and bandage if needed. A nurse will know the signs of infection and take immediate action.
Her stitches could tear if she lifts heavy items. With a nurse and caregivers helping her in her home, she’ll follow medical orders better. If she accidentally pops a stitch while sleeping, her nurse is there to address it with her surgeon.
Medication Administration
Your mom will be on pain medications to help keep the pain to a minimum. Pain can slow the recovery process, so her pain needs to be well managed. A nurse can time doses to prevent your mom from taking them too often or not enough. Nurses will also work with her on tapering off the medications she’s using over time.
If her pain isn’t well managed, her nurses and doctors will work together to determine the best path forward. The goal is to relieve pain without your mom becoming dependent on any prescription pain relievers.
Your mom may start chemo or radiation once her incisions heal. The side effects of these treatments can make her feel weak or sick. Post hospital care nurses can communicate her side effects with her doctors and determine if IV fluids or medications might help her avoid dehydration while she’s going through chemo and radiation.
Peace of Mind
Your mom’s recovery will be smoother when she’s at home in a familiar setting with familiar smells, but she needs care. It lowers the risk of depression, anxiety, and isolation. You may not be around enough, able to, or comfortable helping her with more medical aspects of care. Post hospital care services are ideal for that reason.
Keep your mom from returning to the hospital by arranging all the post-hospital care services her doctor recommends. The more support she has with both her medical care needs and her companion and personal care needs, the easier it is to focus on her recovery. A post hospital care specialist can help you work out schedules, services, and prices.
If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring Post Hospital Care in Walnut Creek, CA, contact the friendly staff at Home Care Professionals today.
Call (866)-940-4855
Sources:
- The Impact of Home Care on Seniors Aging in Place in Sacramento, California - November 22, 2024
- Recognizing When Seniors Need Post-Hospital Care - November 20, 2024
- Risk Factors and Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer - November 13, 2024
