Preparing for Recovery at Home After Surgery

A safe home environment, clear discharge instructions, reliable support, and an understanding of warning signs can make the transition from the hospital or surgery center less stressful for patients and families.

Every procedure is different, so patients should always follow the instructions provided by their surgeon and healthcare team.

Arrange Help Before Surgery

Most patients need some level of assistance after surgery, especially during the first several days.

Before the procedure, decide who will:

• Drive the patient home
• Stay with the patient as instructed
• Pick up prescriptions
• Prepare meals
• Help with bathing, dressing, walking, or toileting
• Provide transportation to follow-up appointments
• Assist with children, pets, and household responsibilities

Patients who receive anesthesia or sedation may not be able to drive, make important decisions, or safely remain alone immediately after surgery.

Families should confirm how long supervision or assistance may be needed. The Medicare discharge planning checklist can also help patients and caregivers identify support, transportation, medication, equipment, and follow-up needs before leaving a care setting.

Prepare a Safe Recovery Area

Choose a comfortable area where the patient can rest and avoid unnecessary stair climbing.

The recovery area should include:

• A firm chair with armrests
• A bed or recliner that is easy to enter and exit
• A phone and charger within reach
• Water, tissues, medications, and frequently used supplies nearby
• Good lighting during the day and at night
• A clear pathway to the bathroom

Remove loose rugs, electrical cords, clutter, and unstable furniture that could create a fall hazard.

Patients should wear non-slip footwear and use prescribed mobility equipment, such as a walker or cane.

Obtain Recommended Equipment

Ask the surgical team whether any equipment should be available before the patient returns home.

Depending on the procedure, recommended items may include:

• A walker, cane, wheelchair, or crutches
• A shower chair or transfer bench
• Grab bars
• A raised toilet seat
• Compression stockings
• Dressing supplies
• Ice packs
• An incentive spirometer
• A reacher or other mobility aid

Equipment should be properly assembled and placed where it will be used. Patients and caregivers should understand how to use it safely.

Review Medications Carefully

Before surgery, provide the healthcare team with a complete list of prescription medications, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.

Some medications may need to be stopped before surgery or restarted at a specific time afterward.

Before leaving the hospital or surgery center, confirm:

• Which medications should be continued
• Which medications should be stopped
• When held medications should be restarted
• The purpose of each new medication
• The correct dose and schedule
• Whether medications should be taken with food
• Possible side effects
• What to do if a dose is missed

Pain medication should be taken only as directed. Patients should not combine prescription pain medicine with alcohol, sleep aids, or other sedating products unless approved by a healthcare provider.

Writing down medication times can help prevent missed or duplicate doses.

Understand the Discharge Instructions

Patients and caregivers should review the discharge instructions before leaving the facility.

Important questions include:

• How should the incision or dressing be cared for?
• When may the patient shower or bathe?
• Are there lifting or activity restrictions?
• When may the patient drive?
• What foods and fluids are recommended?
• How can constipation be prevented?
• When should the patient begin walking or exercising?
• When is the follow-up appointment?
• Who should be called during office hours?
• Who should be called after hours?

Patients should repeat the instructions in their own words to confirm that they understand the plan.

Keep discharge papers and important phone numbers in an easily accessible location at home.

Support Safe Movement

Some movement may help support circulation, breathing, bowel function, and strength after surgery. However, the patient should only perform activities approved by the surgeon.

When permitted, patients should:

• Change positions regularly
• Take short walks
• Use prescribed mobility equipment
• Stand slowly
• Ask for help when feeling weak or dizzy
• Follow all lifting and weight-bearing restrictions

Patients should not drive, lift heavy objects, exercise intensely, or return to work until cleared by their healthcare provider.

Support Healing With Food and Fluids

The patient should follow any diet restrictions included in the discharge plan.

Unless otherwise directed, recovery may be supported by:

• Drinking adequate fluids
• Eating small meals if appetite is reduced
• Including protein-rich foods
• Eating fruits, vegetables, and fiber as tolerated
• Following a constipation-prevention plan

Constipation is common after surgery, especially when opioid pain medication is used. Patients should ask their healthcare provider whether they need a stool softener or other treatment.

Care for the Incision

Always wash hands before and after touching the incision, dressing, or drainage equipment.

Follow the surgeon’s instructions about:

• Dressing changes
• Showering
• Surgical glue
• Stitches or staples
• Drains
• Compression garments
• Approved creams or ointments

Do not scrub or soak the incision. Do not apply alcohol, peroxide, powders, lotions, or herbal products unless instructed by the healthcare team.

Check the incision as directed for changes such as increasing redness, warmth, swelling, drainage, odor, bleeding, or separation.

Know When to Contact the Surgical Team

Call the surgeon or healthcare provider promptly for:

• Fever or chills
• Increasing redness, warmth, swelling, or pain
• New or increasing drainage
• An incision that begins to open
• Bleeding that does not stop
• Pain that is not controlled by the prescribed plan
• Persistent nausea or vomiting
• Inability to keep fluids or medications down
• Difficulty urinating
• Increasing abdominal pain or swelling
• New calf pain, redness, tenderness, or swelling
• Concerning medication side effects
• Any unexpected decline in the patient’s condition

The discharge instructions should state which temperature is considered a fever and when the surgeon should be contacted.

Know When to Call 911

Seek immediate emergency assistance for:

• Chest pain or pressure
• Severe difficulty breathing
• Fainting
• Inability to wake the patient
• Sudden confusion
• Facial drooping
• Sudden weakness
• Difficulty speaking
• Heavy or uncontrolled bleeding
• Coughing up blood
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

Do not delay emergency care while waiting for a return call from the surgeon.

How RN-Led Home Support May Help

The transition from surgery to recovery at home can be challenging, especially when a patient has mobility limitations, multiple medications, chronic health conditions, or limited family support.

Depending on the patient’s needs and the healthcare provider’s instructions, RN-led home support may include:

• Reviewing discharge instructions
• Medication education
• Monitoring changes in recovery
• Incision and skin observation
• Fall-prevention guidance
• Caregiver education
• Assistance with care coordination
• Communication with the healthcare team
• Support with daily activities and mobility

A Safer Recovery Begins With Preparation

Patients and families should begin planning for recovery before the day of surgery.

Preparing the home, arranging support, understanding medications, and knowing which warning signs require attention can help patients feel more confident and supported during recovery.