Preparing your home for surgery is essential to ensure a comfortable and safe recovery environment. Here are some tips to help you get your home ready for the big day:

Create a Recovery Space:

Designate a specific area in your home for recovery. Ideally, this space should be on the same floor as a bathroom for the first few days that you are home. 

• Make sure that you can easily get in and out of the bed/chair/sofa that you plan to use and have extra pillows and blankets available for additional support while you rest.
• Prepare your space with books, movies, or relaxing hobbies that can be done while resting to help pass the time in an enjoyable way.

Safety First:

Assess your home for potential mobility challenges and relocate items to ensure your comfort.

• Clean your home so it is clutter free, this way you feel relaxed and content during your recovery and you aren’t pulled to do chores that aren’t safe.
•  Rearrange furniture to accommodate any assistive devices you may need.
• Remove or tack down loose rugs or extension cords to avoid any falls.
• Ensure that handrails on your stairs are sturdy and that your frequently used hallways and rooms have proper lighting for moving around at night. Consider purchasing plug in nightlights if needed.
• Set up your kitchen for convenience. Arrange frequently used items within easy reach so you don’t need to use a stepstool to gather items.
• Make the bathroom safer by installing handrails, using non-slip bathmats, and having frequently used items within reach. Upper extremity patients should consider purchasing toiletries in pump bottles for one handed use, and lower extremity patients should consider a shower chair and elevated toilet seat.

Practice Makes Perfect:

• Obtain any assistive devices recommended by your healthcare provider, such as a sling, crutches, a walker, or a reacher. If possible, practice using them to do everyday things like getting in and out of your bed or chair, and walking upstairs with these before surgery.

Meal Prep:

• Prepare healthy meals in advance or enlist your family and friends to help with groceries and meals in the first days after surgery to ensure you are getting proper nutrition to recover.
• Make a grocery run in the days before surgery to have ingredients on hand for healthy smoothies. You can find inspiration for recipes on www.completesurgicalnutrition.com

Remember that these tips are general guidelines, and specific preparations may vary based on the type of surgery you undergo. Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice tailored to your recovery needs and circumstances.