Do You Need a Caregiver After Surgery In Lakewood? Everything You Should Know
For many families in Lakewood, WA, the days following a loved one's surgery can bring uncertainty. "How much help will they need? Will I be able to manage their care? Should we hire a professional caregiver?" These questions are common and entirely valid.
This guide walks you through each step of the process—from understanding whether post-operative home care is necessary to finding a trusted caregiver in Lakewood. We also cover local care options, prices, and how Caringene offers flexible, affordable support.
Step 1: Know If You Need Care After Surgery in Lakewood
Not every surgery requires post-operative home care, but many do—especially for seniors or those living alone. Here are the most common signs that your loved one may need extra support at home:
Signs Your Loved One May Need a Post-Surgery Caregiver
Sign | What It Means |
|---|---|
Trouble walking or moving around independently | They may be at risk of falling, especially in homes with stairs or tight hallways |
Pain management difficulties | Prescription medication schedules can be strict and hard to manage alone |
Confusion or grogginess | Some anesthesia after-effects linger, especially in older adults |
Difficulty bathing or dressing | These are common tasks that caregivers can help with |
Risk of surgical site infection | Caregivers can assist with wound monitoring and hygiene |
Poor nutrition or meal skipping | Post-op patients may lack the energy to cook or eat properly |
Missed follow-up appointments | Transportation and coordination can be a barrier |
If any of these signs are present, it may be time to arrange for in-home post-surgical care.
How to Transition to Home Care After Surgery
If your loved one is coming home to neighborhoods like Tillicum or Oakbrook, where homes vary from single-story houses to apartments, some adjustments might be necessary:
Install grab bars in bathrooms to reduce fall risk
Move beds to ground floor if stairs are an issue
Remove loose rugs or clutter that could cause tripping
Arrange transportation for follow-up appointments
Create a care schedule—who's helping and when?
If You’re Overwhelmed, Start Here:
Franciscan Health at Home – Lakewood Office
Lakewood Senior Activity Center for guidance on senior support programs
Caringene.com for affordable, same-day caregiver availability in Lakewood
Step 2: Understand Your Post-Operative Care Options in Lakewood
There are multiple levels of care available in Lakewood. The right one depends on the surgery's intensity, the recovery timeline, and your loved one's ability to perform daily tasks independently.
Comparing Care Options in Lakewood
Care Option | Pros | Cons | When It's Best |
Family Caregiving | No cost, familiar faces | Can cause burnout; no medical training | For minor surgeries, short-term needs |
In-Home Care (Hourly) | Flexible, professional help | May need multiple caregivers | For moderate to major surgeries, esp. in seniors |
24/7 In-Home Care | Complete supervision | Higher cost | For intensive recovery, fall-risk patients |
Skilled Nursing Facility (SNF) | Access to rehab & nurses | Less privacy, high daily rates | After joint replacements, strokes |
Real-Life Examples:
Susan’s father had hip surgery and lives near Fort Steilacoom Park. She hired a part-time caregiver from Caringene to help him shower and attend PT appointments for 3 weeks.
Brian’s mother had knee replacement and lives in Oakbrook. He chose 24/7 care for the first week, then transitioned to a few hours/day as she regained independence.
Step 3: How to Choose the Right Caregiver After Surgery in Lakewood
Choosing the right caregiver is about trust, compatibility, and capability.
Qualities to Look For in a Post-Surgery Caregiver
Experience with post-op or senior care
Reliable transportation (especially in areas like Lake City or Lakewood Towne Center)
Punctuality and communication
Ability to assist with bathing, dressing, mobility, and medication reminders
Warm, empathetic personality
Questions to Ask a Home Care Provider (and Why)
Step 4: Compare Home Care Agencies in Lakewood – And Why Caringene Stands Out
Here are several Lakewood-based options for post-surgery home care. We’ve included everything from pricing to unique services so you can make an informed decision.
Home Care Agencies in Lakewood, WA
Agency | Starting Rate | Scheduling Flexibility | Same-Day Care | Services Offered | Address | Notes |
Caringene (Recommended) | $35/hour | Yes, flexible hourly and 24/7 | Yes | Bathing, meal prep, transportation, post-surgery care, companionship | Service area includes Tillicum, Oakbrook, and all of Lakewood | No contracts, all-inclusive pricing, reliable care you can trust |
Comfort Keepers | ~$44/hour | 4-hr minimum, advanced notice needed | No | General home care, light personal care | 10900 17th Ave SW, Seattle, WA | Regional branch, not Lakewood-local |
Visiting Angels | ~$45/hour | Varies by caregiver | No | Personal care, errands | 708 Broadway, Ste 101, Tacoma, WA | Covers Lakewood, but caregivers are assigned regionally |
Right at Home | ~$42/hour | 3-4 hr minimums | Occasionally | Personal and respite care | 10209 Bridgeport Way SW, Lakewood, WA | Higher weekend rates, contracts apply |
"I didn’t think we could afford in-home help until I found Caringene. We got a caregiver the same day my dad came home from surgery, and she handled everything — even getting him to his follow-up at St. Clare." — Monica T., Tillicum
FAQs: Post-Surgery Home Care in Lakewood
Q: How soon should I arrange care after surgery in Lakewood?
A: Ideally before discharge. Many families use providers like Caringene for next-day or same-day care, especially for discharges from St. Clare Hospital.
Q: What if my parent only needs help for a week?
A: Caringene allows flexible, short-term scheduling with no contracts, perfect for temporary recovery care.
Q: Will caregivers go to neighborhoods like Oakbrook or Tillicum?
A: Yes, Caringene serves all of Lakewood including these neighborhoods.
Q: Can I change caregivers if it’s not a good fit?
A: Absolutely. With Caringene, you can request a different caregiver anytime.
Q: Do caregivers help with physical therapy exercises?
A: Yes. They assist with home PT routines, mobility support, and transportation to rehab clinics.
Final Thoughts
Surgery can be stressful — but the recovery process doesn’t have to be. With the right help, your loved one can heal safely and comfortably at home in Lakewood.
Whether you're in Oakbrook, Tillicum, or near American Lake, having someone reliable by your side makes a huge difference.
Explore more on the Caringene blog:
Need help right away? Learn more or get matched with a caregiver today at www.caringene.com.
The content on this blog is intended for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Caringene is a non-medical home care provider. Do not make healthcare decisions based on the information provided here—always consult with a physician or licensed medical professional for guidance regarding medical care or treatment.