Heading home from the hospital following a surgery is a delicate time, and there are many things patients and their caregivers should know about maintaining proper care at home before being discharged. Many people assume that their doctors or hospital discharge planners will tell them everything they need to know about how to care for themselves at home. Unfortunately, that isn’t typically the case.
Prepare for a smooth transition from hospital to home by getting answers to these questions prior to surgery:
- Who will pick up prescriptions? Will I need to rely on a relative for this task? Will he or she be available when I need a refill?
- Who will answer questions about the medications? Should I contact my doctor, the pharmacist, or does the hospital have someone else for me to contact with questions regarding care?
- What phone numbers do I need to have on hand?
- What kind of medical equipment might be needed (such as a walker, crutches, or telehealth devices), and who will provide them?
- What kinds of tasks might be difficult to perform when returning home given the nature of the surgery? (Ex. bathing, dressing, climbing stairs, picking up prescription drugs, cooking, shopping, driving, etc.)
- What activities are not recommended following surgery?
- What signs or symptoms should I watch for that might indicate a problem during recovery?
- Will the medications cause drowsiness or confusion?
Knowing the answers to these questions will mean a smoother transition from hospital to home and can help improve care and shorten recovery times. The caregivers of Live Free Home Health Care of central New Hampshire can be there for you or your loved one following a surgery to ensure that the delicate transition time is easy and worry-free. Learn more about how Live Free Home Health Care can assist with care after surgery or a hospitalization.