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Coming home after a surgical procedure is a significant milestone in a person’s journey to physical recovery following an illness or injury. It's a time of hope and healing, but it can also be a source of anxiety for both the person receiving care and their caregivers. At True Care, we understand the importance of a smooth transition from the hospital to home, and we're here to guide you through the process with warmth and careful consideration. Read on for some of our top tips for both patients and caregivers to help make this momentous transition as easy as possible. 

Preparing for the Transition: Getting ready to come home

Pre-Hospital Discharge: Before leaving the hospital, it's crucial to have clear communication with your team of health care providers. Ask as many questions as you have, follow up if something doesn’t make sense, and make sure you fully understand the post-surgery care instructions. Knowledge is power, and being informed will help you feel more confident about the journey ahead and the responsibilities of a caregiver.

Home Preparation – Getting the home ready to receive the person under care: The first and most important step in getting ready to reenter the home following a surgery is to make sure that the healing environment is safe and secure. If you don’t have a safe, clean, comfortable environment in which to recover from surgery, you may set yourself up to face unnecessary challenges. 

Safety First: Ensure that the home environment is safe and accessible. Remove any hazards that could lead to slips or falls, such as loose rugs or clutter along paths that are frequently crossed. Install grab bars if needed, and make sure there is proper lighting in all areas of the home.

Supplies and Equipment: Gather all the supplies and equipment you'll need for the recovery period. This may include: 

• wound care supplies
• medications
• mobility aids
• comfortable clothing

Of course, exactly what you need will depend on the diagnosis of the person receiving care. Be sure you have a clear understanding of the full spectrum of needs and what they typically use on an average day. 

The Patient's Role in Recovery

Patients also have a vital role to play in their own recovery. Being invested and engaged in their own recovery process can help improve morale, and since no one knows how they’re feeling better than they do, this engagement can actually help improve health outcomes. Here are some ways that people recovering from surgery can help themselves along the recovery process. 

Following Doctor's Orders: Strictly adhere to the provider’s instructions, including medication schedules and dietary restrictions. Remember, compliance is key to a successful recovery!

Communication: Recognizing potential complications and knowing how to address unexpected issues is crucial. Don't hesitate to voice any discomfort or concerns to your caregivers and healthcare team. Keeping everyone informed of your needs is essential. If you notice signs of infection, worsening pain, or any other concerns, contact your healthcare provider promptly. Don't hesitate to seek medical attention if needed.

Gentle Rehabilitation: Participate in your prescribed exercises and gradually increase your physical activity as directed. This will help you regain strength and mobility and can help you get back to feeling like yourself again, faster. 

Self-Care: Take care of your personal hygiene daily, and follow wound care instructions diligently. Manage pain and discomfort effectively by using pain relief techniques as advised. Remember, recovery is a process, but it doesn’t need to come with unnecessary suffering, so take your pain medications as directed. 

The Caregiving Role – Tips for those in charge of taking care

If you are acting as a caregiver for a loved one, you play a pivotal role in the recovery process. As a caregiver, this may be your first time taking up such an important responsibility. Or, you may have taken care of people before, but not following a surgery. You may be afraid of further injuring the person you’re caring for, or of not taking proper care of them in other ways. With a little knowledge, you can arm yourself with all the know-how you need to provide excellent post-surgical care. 

Here are some key caregiving responsibilities:

Emotional Support: Understand that the patient may be experiencing a range of emotions, including anxiety and stress, after undergoing surgery. Provide reassurance, offer a listening ear, and create a supportive and comforting atmosphere at home.

Medication Management: If you are caring for a loved one, you may need to manage This refers to the tasks required to effectively make sure that all prescribed medications are taken correctly. This includes:

Organizing Medications: Keep track of all medications, their dosages, and schedules. Consider using pill organizers to prevent confusion.

Monitor for Side Effects: Be vigilant for any side effects or adverse reactions to medications. Contact the health care team if you notice anything unusual.

Wound Care: You may be asked to attend to any incision sites left following a surgical procedure of a loved one. These can range from tiny cuts used to insert laparoscopic tools, all the way up to large wounds closed with staples or sutures. Follow the healthcare provider's instructions for wound care carefully. Pay attention to signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, or discharge, and report them promptly.

Nutrition and Hydration: A supportive, balanced diet is one of the most important aspects of facilitating post-surgical recovery. Prepare nutritious meals and encourage the patient to stay hydrated. If you’re not sure what constitutes a healthful diet for your patient, you can consult a dietician or another member of your healthcare team. A good rule of thumb is to focus on preparing whole foods such as fresh produce and whole grains. Your patient may have a special medical diet that they are meant to follow after their surgery. If this is the case, it’s a good idea to shop ahead before they return home to fill the fridge with everything you’ll need to safely feed your loved one.

Mobility and Exercise: Help the patient with safe movements and exercises as prescribed by the healthcare team. This can prevent complications and promote a faster recovery. Depending on what type of procedure they’ve undergone, their healthcare team may have prescribed physical therapy or other supportive movements meant to help retain or rebuild range of motion, flexibility, and stability. Never encourage your patient to do anything physical that they are not medically cleared to do. 

Summing It Up

In the journey from hospital to home, open communication, patience, and teamwork between caregivers and patients are paramount. At True Care Home Care, we're here to support you every step of the way through your post-surgery recovery journey. Your well-being is our top priority, and we're dedicated to providing the care and guidance you need for a successful recovery.

If you are currently not enrolled in home care services, but you may require assistance after an upcoming surgery, reach out to a True Care representative today to talk about your care options and what services you may be eligible to receive under Medicare or Medicaid. Self-funded options are also available as part of our Private Client service. We can offer expert assistance and we are here to help!

We encourage you to share your own experiences and tips for a successful transition home after surgery. Your insights may help others facing a similar journey.