The recovery process is one that will take up much of your time and energy. Having your home prepared before coming back from surgery will help make the recovery process that much smoother.
Check out these tips to help you prepare your home for post-op recovery!
Your physical therapist or occupational therapists may send you home or recommend additional equipment to help you manage your recovery at home as well!
Want some inside tips on how to prepare yourself and your home for surgery? Speak with a Patient Partner who has had your surgery for free to learn about the real experience!
Make daily activities easier making them more accessible!
Consider on preparing sleeping and bathroom arrangements onto the ground floor if possible.
- Keep only the necessary furniture and accessories in the bedroom to reduce tripping hazards!
- If you may have difficulty walking after surgery, consider purchasing a commode to shorten the distance from bed to bathroom.
- Organize food and other everyday items on a shelf, located at a suitable height so that easy access is guaranteed.
- Prepare meals in advance and store them in the refrigerator.
- Make sure you have a cell phone in the room, as well as emergency phone numbers and a list of current medications in case any emergency arises.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help
After surgery, many everyday activities become a lot harder to manage than you would think. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! It is much better to be safe than risk a fall or complication. Prior to surgery speak with your surgeon about post-op options ranging from a home health attendant or rehab facility to ensure your recovery is safe!
Bathroom setup
Some people require modifications to be made to the bathroom to suit their post-op needs. One of them is to add non-slip mats and also raising the height of the toilet seat.
There is also the possibility that it is necessary to incorporate safety bars in the bathroom:
- Install handrails near the sink.
- Place handrails on the sides of the shower.
- Put bars next to the toilet to support yourself by standing and sitting.
- Avoid installing the handrails diagonally, and do not use the towel rails as support bars, since they are not designed to support the weight of a person.
When bathing make sure:
- Keep the bathroom floor dry in order to avoid any accidents.
- Place personal hygiene products (soaps, shampoo, conditioner, razors, among others) in an easily accessible place.
- Use non-slip mats outside the shower.
- If you will use a shower chair when bathing make sure:
- Verify that each of the chair legs has a rubber or non-slip rubber tip.
- Use a chair that does not have arms.
Avoiding Falls
- Precautions to minimize accidents in your home
- Clear the hallways and different open areas of the house.
- Tidy up any loose wires that may be scattered in the rooms and common areas of the house.
- Verify that the different areas of access to the house have adequate lighting, as well as the rooms.
Pets can become a tripping hazard, therefore, it is recommended that during the first weeks of recovery to possibly arrange for alternative care of a pet.
If necessary, use equipment that helps you maintain balance such as a cane, walker, crutches, wheelchair depending on what your physical therapist recommends!
Want some inside tips on how to prepare yourself and your home for surgery? Speak with a Patient Partner who has had your surgery for free to learn about the real experience!
Right Device is here to ensure your operative game plan is ready prior to surgery. Sign up today to access our surgery database! Join our Patient Partner Programas well as speak with someone who has had the exact same surgery or with an Orthopedic/Spine Nurse Practitioner or Medical Device Specialist today!
