If you take care of an elderly loved one, you may find yourself in the position of being his or her 'coach' when it comes to physical rehabilitation after a surgical procedure like a hip or knee replacement. For many elderly folks, the thought of moving a sore limb after surgery is crazy. However, the best thing they can do is to start moving around and get back their mobility. Follow these tips to help you motivate your elderly loved one to participate in physical rehabilitation after his or her surgery.

Talk To Your Elderly Loved One About Independence

If your loved one was living on his or her own or living with you, but getting around good, you should stress the importance of how physical rehab will help him or her to retain that same level of independence. Tell him or her that you understand the fear he or she may be feeling about the pain that can comes with physical rehab, but also let him or her know it is short term rehab and that medical professionals will be on standby to give him or her pain medicine if necessary. Providing positive support for your loved one is important, so be sure to let him or her know you are there for the long-term and that the situation is going to be okay and beneficial.

Make Sure Your Loved One Is Physically And Emotionally Prepared For Physical Rehab

In many cases, an older person will not let medical professionals know about their pain because they want to avoid further treatment, like more surgery, or they simply want to go home. You know your elderly loved one better than anyone, so making sure he or she is not experiencing pain that is preventing him or her from being motivated about physical rehab is extremely important. Do not be afraid to let tell your loved one's medical caregivers about any pain he or she is feeling because that pain could an indicator of a serious issue and it could also mean delaying rehab until it is resolved.

Reward Your Loved One For Being Motivated

Tell your elderly person you plan to take him or her to the fanciest restaurant in town as soon as their physical rehab is over. You may be surprised at how giving that person something exciting to work towards can create a high level of motivation. Staying as positive as possible is important because your loved one will pick up on your emotions and become wary if you seem like something is wrong about the rehab. If you have any concerns, be sure to discuss them with your loved one's physician in private so they will not worry your elderly person.

Caring for an elderly loved one can be tough, especially when he or she is going through surgery and rehab at a place like Valley View Retirement Community. However, talking to his or her doctor about how you can make recovery time for that person better can help you remain positive and upbeat about it.