4 Ways to Help Loved Ones After Heart Surgery

After a heart surgery or any kind of cardiac procedure, sometimes it’s hard to know how to help your loved one cope. You want your parent, sibling or spouse to be comfortable in their recovery. It can be hard enough to temper your own emotions during a trying time, but stress can mount even more if you’re trying to provide care too. Here are a few tips to help you work through cardiac recovery and caregiving.

1. Consider a Professional Care Giver

It’s okay to admit that you don’t have all the answers in post-surgery recovery. Sometimes, asking for help from a healthcare professional can relieve the toll the experience might take on you, and even relieve the tension in your relationship. Caring for someone after surgery can require a huge time commitment. Caregivers often provide flexible hours and can work around your schedule and availability, full or part time. Another option for consideration is talking with a counselor to help reduce stress. You or your loved one can work through stress with a healthcare professional together or individually, whatever suits your unique needs.

2. Expect a Few Appointments

After a succesful surgery, it’s important to remember that regular visits and checkups will still be a crucial part of the recovery process. It may feel discouraging that the process isn’t over after surgery itself, but regular checkups keep recovery on track. Plan to fit trips into your schedule for a few weeks, as you will likely need to arrange transportation for your spouse or relative. Driving after heart surgery is usually off limits for some time, usually for about a month.

3. Spend Time Outside

Spending time outdoors can be one of the best ways to reduce stress. Heading outside doesn’t have to mean exhausting exercise or pushing too far. Just a few short steps along with intermittent rest can go a long way towards recovery. The doctor will likely recommend a slow work up to greater tasks and activity over six or eight weeks. Initially, standing for too long or pushing and lifting anything heavy will be off limits. Take your loved one on a gentle stroll at the beach or through the woods. Having company will put you both at ease!

4. Plan Healthy Meals

The cardiologist will discuss what kind of diet and lifestyle changes will be necessary after surgery. To help your spouse or relative after a procedure, plan healthy means according to the doctor’s guidelines. Some tips usually include significantly reducing sodium intake from salty or fried foods. Your loved one may also be encouraged to eat more vegetables, and focus on very lean meats or fish. Planning meals ahead of time can streamline the ammount of time and energy you’ll both spend finding dinner options every night.

After a cardiac procedure, friends and family of the patient can sometimes feel overwhelmed and stressed too. These tips will help guide you through the weeks afterward to make recovery a smooth transition.  To schedule an appointment or find more information online, visit https://cvgcares.com.