What can I do to prepare for recovery from surgery at home?
Chances are that at some point in your life you’ll have to undergo a surgical procedure. According the National Center for Health Statistics, there are roughly 50 million outpatient procedures and 46 million inpatient procedures each year. In the event that you can plan ahead for the surgery, there are some things you can do to help prepare for your recovery at home.
Whether you’re having cosmetic surgery or a medically necessary procedure, recovery can be extremely uncomfortable and even stressful. Depending on the type of surgery, you could also be restricted in what you can and can’t do.
Here are some tips to help you prepare for recovery from surgery at home:
- Plan for restricted movement.
Some procedures will limit your ability to do such things are walk or carry heavy objects. You can plan ahead by temporarily arranging your home to accommodate for these short-term needs. For example, if there are stairs in your house, you may need to create a space where you can sleep downstairs.
- Prevent the potential for slip and fall accidents.
Medication and wounds can lead to other injuries including slip and fall accidents. Whether you’re sleepy or dizzy from prescribed post-surgery medication or you are having a hard time navigating around your home during the healing process, the last thing you need is another injury. Help prevent slip and fall hazards by cleaning up the clutter in your home ahead of time. You’ll want to be sure that you have easy access to your bed, your bathroom, and your kitchen. It’s also a good idea to wear non-slip slippers for traction and to keep key areas in your home well lit especially at night
- Plan for your dietary needs.
On occasion, a procedure will require you to be on a certain diet. Ask your doctor about these restrictions ahead of time so that you can purchase what you need prior to your surgery.
- Have a caretaker on call.
After a procedure you may need someone to pick up medication, drive you to appointments, or even get you food. Choose your caretaker ahead of time and make a plan with them. Know their schedule and how they can be reached. Be sure they will be available during your post-op recovery time.
- Know what your insurance covers for at-home nursing care.
Will your insurance cover at-home nursing care or a companion service? You can contact local services for a consultation ahead of time to see what they may be able to provide for you under your insurance plan. Be sure to ask about how they screen their staff (e.g., licensing, certifications, etc.) and what their hourly minimum is.
If you’re in South Florida and would like to know more about at-home nursing services, please contact us for a free consultation before or after your surgery.
Reference Articles:
Martin, R. (2010, September 26). U.S. outpatient surgery passes inpatient, to 53 million a year. Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.tampabay.com/news/health/us-outpatient-surgery-passes-inpatient-to-53-million-a-year/1124313
Gardner, A. (2016, April 11). How to Plan for Recovery at Home After Surgery. Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.webmd.com/healthy-aging/all-about-surgery-16/home-self-care
Alderman, L. (2010, November 19). Planning for Temporary Home Care After the Hospital Stay. Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/20/health/20patient.html?_r=0
