Why Are Doctors Recommending Elderly Patients Undergo Pre-Surgical Cognitive Screenings?

More doctors are suggesting elderly patients undergo a cognitive screening before surgery. The screenings find issues that can cause complications after the surgery. Dr. Deborah Culley of Harvard Medical School says that doctors look at mobility and physical health before a surgery, but only a few are looking at cognitive skills.

Worrisome Issues That Happen After Surgery

With elderly men and women, brain health can change after a surgery. When it does, these patients need to stay in the hospital longer or be transferred to a nursing home rather than sent home, which can cost the senior more if insurance doesn’t cover everything.

In a study of the elderly undergoing elective surgeries, about 25 percent were found to have some issues with cognitive skills. Those who had lower cognitive function had a four-times higher risk of needing a nursing home for the recovery. They were also four and a half times more likely to show signs of delirium after their surgery.

What if Cognitive Health Issues Are Discovered in the Pre-Surgical Screening?

If doctors find your mom or dad’s cognitive function has diminished, there are plans that can be incorporated to ease post-surgical problems. Making sure your parent wakes up in the final recovery room can ease confusion. If they wake in one room and get moved to another as the anesthesia wears off, it can confuse the patient.

There should be someone to watch that the senior has support while walking around. After some surgical procedures, the medications patients are given increase the risk of dizziness, which can lead to a fall. It’s also important that the patient drinks plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration. If a home care provider is there to help with mobility and transfers and make sure the senior eats and drinks regularly, recovery should go smoothly.

Have Home Care Available for the Recovery

After a surgery, your mom or dad will need some help around the home. Medications may make them lightheaded, so someone should be there for support when taking walks or doing exercises. They may have incisions that must heal before they can carry in the groceries or move a vacuum around. They need to eat properly and stay hydrated. Home care services can help with all of that.

With a caregiver, your parent has a helper for company and assistance. From help getting in and out of the shower to assistance cooking meals, caregivers can make recovery go smoothly. Learn more by calling a home care agency now.

Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3123886/
https://www.reuters.com/article/us-health-surgery-elderly-cognitive/pre-surgery-cognitive-screen-can-flag-
elderly-complications-risk-idUSKBN1DN1SL

If you or an aging loved one are considering home care in New Brunswick, NJ, please contact the caring staff at Care Street Home Care of New Brunswick today. Call (732) 607-8870.