Calendar help for loved ones during medical treatment and recovery

Caring for a family member or friend is a big task. Not only are you anticipating the medical treatment, but you are also thinking about their cure. And chances are you haven't taken care of someone who is having this type of treatment. For this reason, it can be difficult to anticipate their needs.

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While every medical treatment is different, making your loved one comfortable is the top priority. Remember that they are probably nervous and anxious about the treatment itself. Therefore, they may not think about the recovery as much as the procedure itself. This is where you can step in and help. Below are four ways you can help your loved ones during medical treatment and recovery.

1. Plan ahead and put it on your calendar

First of all, planning ahead will do wonders. If this is a scheduled procedure, you and your loved one should talk about their plans. They can express their concern to you and tell you how they hope the treatment day will go. For example, they may want a few close family members present during the procedure, or they may only want one person. This is where you should also discuss their recovery plans, including who will be the primary caregiver.

However, not all procedures are planned far in advance. If so, do your best to plan as much as possible, but don't overdo it. Focus on your loved one during this time rather than worrying about how they will be doing weeks from now. Ask the medical team what they suggest for recovery. They will be able to share specific recovery tools, such as bandages for wounds or heating pads for aches.

Once you understand these expectations, you can start planning the treatment day and the first few days at home. Help your loved one pack a bag for the hospital and make sure you know when and where they need to be at the facility. Also know who will be visiting them while they are in the hospital and at home. The hospital may limit the number of visits, so be sure to ask these questions in advance. Finally, make sure their home is well set up for recovery, especially if their mobility is going to be limited.

2. Set calendar reminders

After undergoing any type of procedure, it's all too easy to lie in bed and watch TV. Hours and days can easily get mixed up, making it harder to focus on improvement. Although rest is essential, being sedentary can actually hinder recovery. For example, standing still after knee surgery can lead to scar tissue buildup. Setting reminders on your calendar or on your loved one's phone to remind them to get up and move can improve how quickly they recover from surgery.

Calendar reminders can also be used and set for other easy-to-forget tasks. Lying down all day allows you to have no appetite. Creating a timer for your loved one to need to eat meals can ensure they receive the nutrition they need to heal. The same can be said for stretching drinking water. If physiotherapy is part of the recovery process, write down what exercises should be done and how often.

Of course, there is a balance to be struck when it comes to setting too many reminders. It can end up being annoying and tedious that a calendar alert goes off every two minutes! While your loved one is still trying to get into the rhythm of their recovery, little reminders can help. However, once they remember to get up and take their medicine after eating, you can reduce the number of reminders you set.

3. Meal preparation

Another way to set yourself and your loved one up for success is to prepare your meals. Eating nutritious, well-balanced meals is important for healing. And yet, it's all too easy to order takeout when you're not feeling well. Having pre-cooked, planned meals that are readily available can help avoid the temptation of delivery.

However, chances are that you, as a guardian, already have enough on your plate. In this case, you can send a meal planning calendar. This way, friends, neighbors and family members can all sign up for days to bring food. Another option is to set up a meal delivery service that offers ready meals that only require heating.

And if you like to cook, consider