How to Return Home After Surgery

Surgery of any kind is painful and in some way immobilizing. Planning ahead for when you return home after surgery will make your life easier and less stressful. Ask a friend or family member to assist you as soon as you have made the decision to have surgery.

Things You'll Need

• Cleaning supplies

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Instructions

Prepare Your General Living Space

• 1

  Remove any throw rugs that might be covering floors. This could be a tripping or falling hazard. Move all electrical cords, telephone cords, newspapers and magazines from walking areas. Arrange furniture to allow for extra walking room and open walkways.

• 2

  Put a pillow or folded blankets on chairs to make sitting and getting up easier. Place a chair with armrests, a firm seat and appropriate back support in the areas you use.

• 3

  Have your house cleaned to eliminate dirt and bacteria that can cause infection.

• 4

  Place lights on timers and set them so that table and floor lamps will go on and off without problems. Install nightlights in hallways and the bathroom.

Prepare Your Bedroom

• 5

  Consider placing a bed on a lower level if your current bedroom is on the second floor. Change the bed linens so they are fresh for your return. Clear away unnecessary items from around your bed.

• 6

  Keep walking areas to the bathroom, closet and dresser free from clutter.

• 7

  Arrange the clothes you want to wear once you return home, making sure they are easy to access. Wash laundry and put it away.

• 8

  Have additional pillows available for extra support or elevation should you need it.

Organize Your Kitchen and Bath

• 9

  Prepare and freeze meals in advance that are easy to defrost and heat. Arrange for a friend or meal service to deliver food so cooking will not be necessary. Do your grocery shopping. Stock up on frozen dinners or easy-to-prepare food items.

• 10

  Move pots, pans and dishes to counter height so you do not need to bend or reach to get to them. Place any dry or canned goods on a counter where they are easily reached and accessible.

• 11

  Clear as much space as possible so that you can get into the bathroom and to the toilet easily. Should you need a walker after surgery, you will need about 2 feet of clearance.

• 12

  Make room in the bathroom to accommodate any additional items that you may need during your recovery at home. This could include a walker, a raised toilet seat or a bath bench.

• 13

  Place soap, combs, toothbrush, toothpaste and other grooming and toiletry items on a cabinet within easy reach.

• 14

  Install a nonskid bathtub shower mat. Consider a bath/shower portable seat to make getting in and out of the bathtub or shower more convenient.

Consider Outdoor Work

• 15

  Have a friend or a service cut your grass or shovel snow.
  You may be "out of commission" for a month or more after surgery or a hospital stay. Your body will need rest and will not appreciate any kind of strenuous activity. Making sure the outdoor areas of your home are cared for during your recuperation is important for not only your physical health but your mental health as well. Knowing that you won't have a significant amount of work to accomplish once you have recovered can help tremendously.

• 16

  Trim bushes or trees to allow for a clear and unobstructed walkway to the house. Set sprinklers and water features on timers so that they activate automatically.

• 17

  Consider stopping your mail and newspaper service while away, or ask a friend or family member to collect them.

Ask for Help

• 18

  Arrange for friends and family to stop in and provide some extra help for you at home.

• 19

  Have extra keys made and give to those people who will be helping you so you don't have to answer the door.

• 20

  Ask a friend or relative to be available to help you with any transportation needs you might have, such as getting to the doctor or therapy and running errands.

• 21

  Arrange for a friend or family member to help take care of any pets.