Preparing for Surgery at Home
Pre-Surgical Readiness Plan
Planning ahead for your recovery can help make your return home safer, smoother and more comfortable. Before surgery, please review the checklist below and make arrangements for the support, transportation and household assistance you may need during recovery.
Day of Surgery
- Make sure you have a support person who can help you during your recovery.
- Arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery.
Meal Preparation Recommendations
- Purchase groceries with easy-to-prepare, healthy food options.
- Prepare and freeze meals before surgery.
Make Arrangements For
- Child care or assistance with children or other dependents.
- Pet care or assistance with pets.
- Transportation to post-surgical follow-up appointments and errands.
- Assistance with household responsibilities such as laundry and changing linens.
- Visiting nursing services if you do not have other help available.
Most patients do not qualify for inpatient rehabilitation after surgery and will need to arrange assistance at home through family, friends or support services such as visiting nurses.
Household Preparations
- Remove fall hazards around your home, such as rugs and cords.
- Move frequently used items from high or low cupboards to easy-to-reach locations at counter height.
