Neurosurgery Inpatient Caregiver Program
This program is designed to reach caregivers at the time of their loved one's surgery. Our caregiver nurse meets with family members in the hospital to provide valuable health information and beginning instruction on basic caregiver skills. Our aim is to prepare caregivers for taking care of the patient between the time of discharge and the patient's first visit to our neuro-oncology clinic.
Educational Video
This online educational tool provides information about postoperative caregiving, particularly for the first 2-3 weeks after surgery. The goal of this presentation is to prepare family members for their roles as caregivers, and to give them information on what to expect. Ultimately, this helps improve the patient's transition from the hospital to home, and reduce postoperative issues during recovery.
Some topics include:
- Organizing and administering medications
- Communicating with the physicians, nurses, social workers and other health care team members
- Managing and observing the surgical incision
- Monitoring for medication side effects
- Addressing potential post-operative complications
- Knowing when and who to call if questions arise
- Strategies for getting organized
- Caregiver self-care
Jump to Specific Sections in the Video:
- Introduction
- Role of the Caregiver
- Upon Discharge
- Discharge Medications
- Patient Discharge Information: Medications
- Keeping Track of Medications
- Medications Commonly Prescribed After Brain Surgery
- Dexamethasone
- Anti-Seizure Drugs
- Discharge Instructions
- What to Expect at Home
- Headaches
- Neurological Changes
- Potential Complications: Seizure
- What To Do in the Case of a Seizure
- What To Do After a Seizure
- Seizure Summary
- Potential Complications: Blood Clot
- Potential complications: Wound Complications
- Managing Care at Home
- Discharge Paperwork
- Who to Call for Help
- When to Call for Help
- Effect of the Role on the Caregiver
- Organizing
- Prioritizing Tasks
- Things to Consider
- Getting Help
- Taking Care of Yourself
- Additional Resources
- Acknowledgements
- Survey