A blog post written by one of our patient’s caretakers. At Body by Leverett, we continue to assist patients even after their surgery is done. We ensure that every caretaker and patient receives the best post operative care! If you or a loved one has a question regarding post-op care, or would like more information about a procedure, please contact us today!
Providing care to a loved-one is an experience that I am grateful to have had. From reflection, I would like to share these gems with those who are embarking on the journey as a caretaker:
Plan strategically.
Cannot emphasize planning enough — this may mean minimizing your personal calendar, tasks, and obligations at least the first two weeks after the patient’s surgery. From my experience, the first full week required my sole attention for care.
In addition to scheduling, plan accordingly to stock up on a variety of healthy foods and liquids (this will avoid having to run to the store or waiting on an online order to arrive), be prepared to go with the flow of your patient’s recovery, and rest up prior to the patient’s operation (sleep will vary and may be inconsistent).
Stay organized.
Great planning inherently leads into great organization. There is much to know, understand, and remember while caretaking. I recommend having separate alarms set on your phone as a reminder of when to take specific medications and a notebook to keep recordings and notes as applicable.
Ask questions versus assume.
Know it’s okay to ask questions — the team at Body by Leverett is apt to assist! You want to be confident in providing the best care for your patient.
Find a balance.
Being a caretaker requires giving lots of time and energy to ensure the well-being of your patient. Such a fulfilling experience can also be tiring — physically, mentally, and emotionally. Reflecting from my experience, I would emphasize finding a balance between being a caretaker and oneself. Practice mindfulness, self-care, meditation, etc. Balance it all by taking care of yourself as well.
Being a caretaker is a commitment, not a task.
You have an important role. The patient chose you to care for them during this unique journey to the beauty they deserve.
Extending gratitude to all caretakers!