If your loved one is going to have cataract surgery, he is going to need a bit of help in the after-care and recovery. Cataract surgery itself is a fairly uncomplicated surgery that has great results with few complications. But those first weeks after surgery, especially the first one, have some important recovery guidelines that your loved one will need to follow and will need the help of post-hospital care. Having post-hospital care will ensure your loved one recovers quickly and can see the world through much-improved eyesight soon.

Here are just a few tips to make sure your loved one’s recovery from cataract surgery goes smoothly.

1. No driving allowed. While you probably already have a ride home from the surgery planned, if your loved one is used to driving on her own, she will have to hold off on any driving that first week. The doctor will not want her to drive until she can give her the all-clear.
2. Stay on top of those antibiotics and eye drops. If your loved one struggles to remember when and how to take their medications, post-hospital care can step in and make sure they are following all of their doctor’s guidelines.
3. Wear those dark sunglasses. When she heads outside for the first few weeks, she’ll need to wear the dark UV sunglasses given to her by the doctor, even if the sun doesn’t seem too bright or it’s cloudy. This may limit how well she can see so an extra hand from an elder care provider or yourself will be appreciated.
4. Avoid heavy lifting. Your loved one should avoid any heavy lifting for 3-4 weeks after her surgery. If she needs to move anything heavy, she should plan on asking for help from you or another caregiver during this time.
5. Be careful while bathing. While your loved one is permitted to take a shower or a bath, she’ll need to be extra careful with the water and make sure none gets in her eyes. She should avoid splashing her face or submerging her head and keep all soap away from her eyes. Having someone help with this aspect of post-hospital care will make sure her eyes stay safe as they heal.
6. She should avoid dusting and sweeping. The key to this directive is to prevent any debris from entering her eyes and causing irritation. The same can be said for windy days when lots of pollen or other particles are blowing through the air. She should try to stay inside on those days if possible.

Recovery is a smooth process for cataract surgery so long as your loved one gives her eyes the chance they need to heal without additional stress or injury.

If you or an aging loved one is considering post-hospital care in Millburn, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Adult Alternative Home Care today. (888) 664-1769

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Lorraine Arkaifie, MSN, AGPCNP-BC

Founder & Director of Services at Adult Alternative Home Care

After completing nursing school in 2009, she worked as a Registered Nurse with the elderly in nursing homes, hospitals and in their homes. She went on to complete advance nurse training with a focus in Geriatrics. As she gained more clinical experience, she was encouraged to pursue her dreams of establishing a home care organization that will provide excellent services to members of her community. With over ten years clinical knowledge, she has perfected the skills to establish rapport and support of the frail and elderly we serve. She loves what she does and will love to help you or your loved ones get the care and support they need.

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