Convalescence is the stage that a person goes through from when they become ill or injured until they regain their health.
Convalescence is the condition of the convalescent : one who convalesces (that is, who is resting to recover the energy lost due to an illness or another type of health disorder). The term comes from the Latin word convalescentia .
It can be said that convalescence is the period that a person must go through until they fully recover their health . That is why the notion is associated with rehabilitation or the recovery process in general .
When an individual becomes ill, undergoes surgery or suffers an accident , their recovery develops gradually. The idea of convalescence usually refers to the stage that begins when the illness is already behind us and the subject needs to gather strength to resume their daily activities.
Example of convalescence
Suppose a man undergoes laparoscopic surgery. It is a simple intervention, but it requires certain care.
After the operation and spending a night in the hospital, the patient is discharged to convalesce at home. According to the doctor's instructions, you should rest and follow a healthy diet for a week until you recover.
Convalescence can be experienced at home or in a hospital.
Hospitals in ancient times
Convalescence, depending on the case, can take place in a hospital or in the patient's own home . Medical follow-up is usually carried out to confirm that the process is being carried out properly.
In ancient times there were convalescent hospitals , also called convalescent homes . These were institutions that received people once they left traditional hospitals. In this way, the risks of relapse, contagion or infection , which were quite frequent in the past due to health and hygiene conditions, were reduced.
Tips for convalescence at home
It is important to remember that not everyone has someone to assist them during the convalescence period, and for this reason it sometimes becomes necessary to hire a nurse or request their services through a government agency. Depending on each person's situation, the care required to recover properly is different, as is the knowledge necessary to carry it out.
Beyond technical preparation, when caring for a person during a period of convalescence it is important to take certain precautions, such as making sure there is a window near the bed ; If possible, it is recommended to choose the one that offers the best views of the house.
This brings two benefits that are often overlooked: the convalescent individual remains in contact with the outside world and also enjoys natural light, which is therapeutic on a physical and mental level. It is also important to ventilate the room frequently , something that can be done perfectly while the patient takes a bath.
The importance of cleanliness and care
Another essential factor for a successful convalescence is the cleaning of the room , which includes maintenance of the floor, furniture, glass and changing the sheets. It is recommended to purchase a reclining bed , ideal for providing greater mobility to the convalescent person when eating, reading or doing any other activity.
Given that in some cases patients require constant attention , it is advisable to leave all everyday objects close at hand , such as medications, warm clothing, TV remotes, glasses and books, among many other things. which are used very frequently during convalescence.
Finally, let's not forget that a period of convalescence can be ideal for studying or developing a project that requires a lot of time and dedication, such as learning a language, writing a book or programming a computer application.