Coronary bypass surgery is a major operation and will require special home care services upon discharge from the hospital. Over 400,000 people in the United States undergo coronary artery bypass graft surgery (CABG). This is a surgery performed to create a new pathway around the heart’s blood vessels that have become blocked.

The surgeon will make a long incision down the center of the chest along the breastbone. The rib cage is opened up to expose the heart while the blood flow is diverted using a heart-lung machine. Once the chest is opened, the heart is stopped temporarily and the heart-lung machine will work to circulate blood through the body.

During the surgery, a healthy blood vessel from inside the chest wall or from the lower leg will be attached above and below the blocked artery allowing the blood flow to bypass around the diseased artery.

If no complications present during or after the surgery, the patient is usually discharged from the hospital within a week. Upon returning home, the patient will be limited as to what they can do and will find it difficult to perform everyday tasks and even to walk a short distance. Having an in-home care providerwill be helpful for recovery.

The recovery period will take between 6 to 12 weeks. The following tips will guide home health care services on how to ensure the recovery process goes well:

• Make sure the elder does not lift objects that weigh over 10 pounds.
• Light household chores can be done, but it is not recommended to stand in one place for longer than 15 minutes at a time.
• Refrain from pushing or pulling heavy objects.
• Take daily walks. Follow the doctor’s instructions for exercising and walking. Gradually increase the amount of activity with permission from the doctor.
• Encourage a healthy diet. Loss of appetite is common following the surgery so eating smaller meals more frequently may be necessary.

Sometimes after a surgery like this, a person may become sad or depressed. In-homecare providers should encourage the elder to do the following every day:

• Talk about their feelings
• Get dressed
• Take daily walks
• Visit with others, even if only for 15 minutes at first
• Get plenty of rest
• Continue with hobbies or activities they enjoyed before

Home care services following bypass surgery will play an instrumental role in the recovery process. Contact the doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding their mental or physical health.

If you or an aging loved one are considering hiring home care services in Princeton NJ, or the surrounding areas.  Please call Independence Home Care today at (609) 642-4085 for more information .