By JointReplacement.com

As the primary caregiver for a loved one, you’ll need to be available for your loved one after a surgery. Depending on the type of surgery, you may need to be with your loved one (or arrange for someone else to be with your loved one) 24/7 for a few weeks or even longer.  Making arrangements with family, friends, neighbors and your employer to prepare for your caregiving duties is essential.

Employer

Contact your employer as soon as you know you will need time off from your job. Caregiving duties can be time consuming, and working during this time can add significant stress in your life. Talk to your immediate supervisor first and ask for assistance in making arrangements. If your company has a human resources department, contact that office about company policy on time off. Family caregivers — those who are caring for an immediate family member (spouse, child, parent)—have certain legal rights under the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) of 1993. This act, designed to help caregivers balance caregiving and employment responsibilities, has specific eligibility requirements for caregivers and for employers. Family Care America posts an easy-to-read outline of the FMLA details at www.familycareamerica.com.

Neighbors

If you need to leave your home to stay at your loved one’s home, you should ask a trusted neighbor to keep an eye on your home. Ask the neighbor to park in your driveway or in front of your home several times while you are gone to help make your home appear lived in. Also, ask the neighbors to either put your trash out with theirs or to put your trash container out and take it back in for you. Provide those neighbors with a list of phone numbers where you can be reached in case of emergency, and write down the neighbors’ names, addresses and phone numbers for yourself. Call and check-in at least once during your time away.

Caregivers and surgery patients who are living together also may find it useful to prepare their home as if they were taking a short trip, for the time the surgery patient will be hospitalized. Contact a trusted neighbor or two and explain that your loved one is having surgery and when and where the surgery will be. Ask the neighbors to keep an eye on your house, as you will likely be at the hospital much of the time. Write down your neighbors’ names, addresses and phone numbers for yourself and after your loved one has been assigned to a room, call the neighbors and let them know how you can be reached should an emergency arise at home.

Friends and Family

Before contacting family and friends, discuss with your loved one what information you will be providing. If you and the patient are related, your loved one may prefer to call other family members. If you are a friend caring for a friend, discuss what information you will be providing about your friend’s surgery to your family and friends. For tips on talking to family and friends, see “Spreading the Word to Family and Friends.”

Before You Leave Home Checklist

• Tell a trusted neighbor that you’ll be away. Consider leaving a key with that neighbor.
• Arrange for pet care.
• Water your plants, or ask someone to care for them for you.
• Fill prescriptions and arrange for refills, if necessary.
• Put a hold on the mail and newspapers, or ask a neighbor to take them in for you.
• Set a timer for your lights (inside & out).
• Do not change your answering machine message to say you’ll be away from home.
• Pay bills before you leave, or have a trusted friend or relative pay them for you.
• Adjust your thermostat.
• Turn off washing machine water valve to avoid accidental flooding.
• Clean the kitchen and bathroom and throw out the trash; clear the refrigerator of perishable foods that won’t keep and freeze leftovers.
• Empty the dishwasher.
• Unplug small appliances (can opener, coffee pot, curling irons, etc.).
• Leave a “reach me at” number with neighbors, family and/or friends.
• Remove spare keys hidden outside, under doormats, rocks, in planters, etc.
• Hide keys for double-lock windows and doors away from breakable windows.
• Close window blinds and curtains.
• Lock all windows and doors, including garage and outside storage buildings.
• Turn on security alarms and timers.

For safety and security tips for your home and family, visit the National Crime Prevention Council’s Website.

Follow the Golden Rule

When your duties as primary caregiver are at an end, provide the same kind of support to others who have helped you.