How to Prepare Your Home After Surgery: 10 Essential Tips

The surgery is done, and you’re preparing to take your loved one home, but wait—have you thought about the post-surgery process? If not, there is no need to worry; we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll guide you through how to make your home suitable for post-surgery recovery, ensuring a smoother, safer, and more comfortable healing process for your loved one.

 

Why is Home Preparation Important After Surgery?

Post-surgery recovery can be physically challenging, and any unnecessary movement or accidents can slow down healing. A properly arranged home minimizes risks such as falls, infections, or strain on the surgical site. It also helps reduce stress, allowing the patient to focus on rest and recovery.

Key Factors to Consider:

• Mobility: Depending on the type of surgery, your movement may be restricted.
• Pain Management: A comfortable environment helps you manage pain better.
• Assistance Needs: Some surgeries may leave you unable to perform daily tasks independently.
• Infection Control: Keeping a clean, sanitized space is essential to prevent infections.

 

Step-by-Step Guide to Prepare Your Home?

Post-surgery might pose challenges and be more overwhelming if you are not prepared, follow the steps to streamline everything.

1. Create a Resting Area:

Choose a comfortable spot for resting that’s easily accessible. Whether it’s a bedroom or living room, the area should have a bed or reclining chair where you can rest without discomfort. If your bedroom is on the upper floor, consider setting up a temporary resting area on the ground floor to avoid using stairs.

Things to include:

• Comfortable pillows and cushions to support your back and limbs.
• A small table for essentials like medication, water, snacks, and a phone.
• A lamp or nightlight for easy visibility at night.
• Entertainment items like books, TV remotes, or a tablet to keep yourself occupied.

2. Declutter and Clear Walkways:

Mobility aids such as crutches, walkers, or even just slow, careful walking will require clear paths. Remove any obstacles, including rugs, wires, or furniture that could cause tripping.

Key actions:

• Ensure all walkways are wide and unobstructed.
• Secure rugs or remove them entirely to prevent slipping.
• Keep cables and wires neatly tucked away.

3. Install Safety Features:

Safety is critical during the recovery period, especially if you’ve had surgery on your legs, hips, or spine. Installing a few safety features can greatly reduce the risk of accidents.

Helpful installations:

• Grab bars in the bathroom, especially near the toilet and shower.
• Non-slip mats in the bathroom and any tiled areas.
• A raised toilet seat to minimize strain when sitting or standing.
• A shower chair or handheld shower head for easy bathing.
• Keep toiletries within hand reach where you don’t have to get up

4. Organize Essentials Within Easy Reach:

Bending, stretching, or reaching for items can strain your body. Before your procedure, reorganize your essentials, such as clothing, medication, and toiletries, at waist or chest level.

Suggestions:

• Place frequently used items like remote controls, snacks, and water within arm’s reach.
• Move kitchen supplies and toiletries to accessible drawers or countertops.
• Keep a phone charger, books, and any needed medical supplies nearby.

5. Arrange for Help with Daily Tasks:

During the first few days or weeks after surgery, it may be hard to manage household chores or even personal care on your own. Arrange for help from a family member, friend, or caregiver to assist with tasks like cooking, cleaning, and grocery shopping.

They may need help in;

• Meal preparation, especially if you are on a specific post-surgery diet.
• Bathing and dressing assistance.
• Transportation to follow-up medical appointments.

6. Stock Up on Essentials:

Running errands will be difficult post-surgery, so it’s a good idea to stock up on groceries, medications, and personal care items beforehand.

Essentials to stock up on:

• Prescription medications and over-the-counter pain relief.
• Easy-to-prepare foods, especially high-protein and fiber-rich options to aid recovery.
• Toiletries, hygiene products, and laundry supplies.
• First aid items, such as bandages and antiseptic solutions.

7. Focus on Hygiene and Cleanliness:

Keeping your home clean is important to reduce the risk of infections, especially if your surgery involves open wounds. Before surgery, deep clean your living spaces, especially areas like the kitchen and bathroom, to ensure hygiene.

Steps to maintain cleanliness:

• Sanitize surfaces that you frequently touch, such as door handles and light switches.
• Regularly change bed linens and towels.
• Use disinfectant wipes on bathroom surfaces after each use.

Read More: 7 Hygiene Tips for Seniors

8. Set Up a Medication Schedule:

Post-surgery pain management often involves taking medications at specific intervals. To avoid missing doses, create a clear medication schedule.

How to organize it:

• Use a pill organizer with compartments for each day.
• Set phone reminders for when it’s time to take medications.
• Keep a list of your medications and their dosage near your resting area for easy access.

9. Plan for Restricted Diets:

Certain surgeries require you to follow a specific diet. Before surgery, discuss dietary restrictions with your doctor and prepare by stocking the necessary foods. High-protein foods, fluids, and fiber-rich meals are often recommended for recovery.

Diet-friendly suggestions:

• Stock up on soups, smoothies, or easy-to-swallow foods if eating solid meals is difficult.
• Prepare meals in advance that meet dietary restrictions, and freeze them for later use.
• Keep nutritious snacks at hand to prevent hunger between meals.

10. Create a Healing Space with Nature:

Research supports that having indoor plants can speed up the recovery process for patients. The presence of plants not only purifies the air but also creates a calming environment that can positively impact mental and physical health.

What Precautions Should be Taken After Surgery?

While preparing your home is essential, adhering to post-surgery precautions ensures a smooth recovery. Following these guidelines can help you avoid complications:

1. Limit Physical Activity:

Avoid strenuous activities such as heavy lifting, bending, or quick movements for the first few weeks after surgery. Engage in light exercises only when your doctor advises, and follow any physical therapy recommendations.

2. Monitor for Signs of Infection:

Keep an eye on the surgical site for any signs of infection such as redness, swelling, or unusual discharge. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice a fever, persistent pain, or unusual symptoms.

3. Stay Hydrated:

Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially if you’re on medications that may cause dehydration or constipation.

4. Follow Wound Care Instructions:

Your doctor will provide specific wound care instructions based on your surgery. Follow them carefully to prevent infection and ensure the wound heals properly. Change dressings regularly and keep the area clean and dry.

5. Attend Follow-Up Appointments:

Do not skip any scheduled follow-up appointments. These visits allow your doctor to assess your progress, adjust medications, and catch potential complications early.

 

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Final Thoughts:

FAQs

1. How long should I avoid physical activity after surgery?

The duration depends on the type of surgery. Generally, heavy lifting and intense physical activity should be avoided for at least 4-6 weeks.

2. Can I take care of my wound on my own at home?

Yes, you can manage basic wound care at home. However, follow your doctor’s instructions closely and seek help if you notice signs of infection.

3. How can I manage pain after surgery at home?

Use prescribed painkillers, maintain a comfortable resting position, and apply ice packs (if recommended). Also, avoid movements that can aggravate pain.

4. How soon can I shower after surgery?

The timeline depends on the surgery and your doctor’s advice. In most cases, you can shower 24-48 hours after surgery, but you must avoid soaking the incision site.

5. How to make stitches heal faster?

To help stitches heal faster, keep the area clean and dry, avoid strenuous activities that may strain the stitches, and follow your doctor’s wound care instructions. Applying prescribed ointments and keeping the wound covered can also promote faster healing.

6. What foods speed up healing?

Foods rich in protein, vitamins C and A, and zinc can speed up healing. Examples include lean meats, fish, eggs, citrus fruits, leafy greens, nuts, and seeds. Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet also aids in recovery.