Your mom underwent surgery and is going to go home the same day. Right now, you know her surgeon said she cannot lift anything heavy and she needs to take it easy for a couple of weeks. Her surgeon also said she may not feel great while she’s coming off the anesthetic and taking pain medicines and antibiotics.

It’s important to have foods that she will want to eat for the first few days. What foods should you have on hand?

Avocados

Avocados are rich in omega-3 fatty acids. They can help boost the immune system. Fats are also important for skin and cell health. Other options for omega-3 fatty acids include avocado, olive, and sunflower oils.

Berries

Your mom may only want a liquid diet at first. Frozen berries are important to have on hand as they’re flavorful, sweet, and even a little tart, which can help with nausea.

Make quick smoothies with frozen raspberries, a banana, plain yogurt, and almond milk. You can add some spinach powder or half an avocado if you have it.

Chicken and Turkey Breast

Your mom may not be ready for rich meats, but a grilled chicken or turkey breast is a good source of protein and also easier on the stomach. Marinate it in lemon juice, olive oil, and basil and cook it on a grill or skillet.

Leafy Greens

Building on the idea of spinach powder, leafy greens are full of antioxidants, which helps with cell repair and healing. If your mom can tolerate leafy greens, turn them into soups with some chicken broth, cream, and tofu. You can also add fresh greens to smoothies.

Squash or Sweet Potatoes

The sweetness of squash or sweet potatoes may appeal to your mom. You can make it into a creamy soup or serve it mashed like potatoes. It’s rich in many vitamins and contains fiber, too.

Whole Grains

Whole grains like old-fashioned oatmeal are filling and easy on the stomach. You could make a batch of overnight oats with oatmeal, unsweetened apple sauce, oat milk, and honey. Add a dash of cinnamon before giving her a bowl.

Arrange Post-Hospital Care

Ask your mom’s surgical team about post-hospital care. When your mom needs IV medications, fluids, wellness checks, and wound care, it’s easier to have those services performed in her home. She won’t have to go to a clinic for blood draws, IV removals, or inspections of her incisions.

With post-hospital care, your mom has a nurse there to change her bandages and make sure everything is healing as expected. If she needs IV fluids or medications, her nurse can administer them. Her nurse can also record her blood pressure, respirations, oxygen saturations, and pulse and report to the surgical team.

Your mom is able to recuperate in her home and bed where she’s most comfortable. Call a home health care agency and ask about scheduling post-hospital care.

If you or an aging loved one is considering post-hospital care in Carrollton, TX, please contact the caring staff at Clear Path Home Care today. Call 817-928-5788

Clear Path Home Care provides compassionate, high quality home care in Denton County, Montague County, Cooke County, Grayson County, Fannin County, Lamar County, Wise County, Collin County, Hunt County, Delta County, and Hopkins County in Texas.

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Clear Path Home Care Staff

Staff at Clear Path Home Care

Clear Path Home Care offers a unique Total Care Management system to optimize each client’s happiness and wellbeing utilizing our carefully vetted Senior Advisory team. We provide coordination between families and all aspects of elder care needs, which may include Home Health, Hospice, Physicians, Hospitals, Skilled Nursing Facilities, or Assisted Living Facilities. Personal care consists of help with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing, grooming, eating, and transferring.

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