If you’re recovering from an injury or have an upcoming surgery, you may need to make some changes in your home to create a safer environment for rest and recovery. These adjustments might be minor like decluttering, but they may be more involved like installing handrails or stair lifts.
No matter what you need to do, we’ve got your post-surgery recovery home-prep checklist to help you rest and recover peacefully.
Home-Prep Checklist for Post-Surgery Recovery
Thinking through every detail, no matter how small, is crucial when preparing your home for post-surgery recovery. We understand that it can be difficult and overwhelming to imagine the seemingly infinite list of scenarios — so we’ve done it for you! Use this checklist below to help you prepare your home for post-surgical recovery.
In Every Room
- Check your electrical cords: Tuck away cords behind furniture or use cord covers to prevent trips
- Install nightlights: This will help you move around your home and prevent falls
- Tidy up: The easiest way to prevent falls at home is to avoid clutter. Pick up items from the floor and use large baskets to store small items
- Secure rugs: Use non-slip strips or rug pads to prevent slipping on rugs
Bedroom
- Check furniture height: Ensure your bed is at a comfortable height for easy access
- Create a recovery area: If your bedroom is upstairs and will be inaccessible, create a private recovery area on the first floor. Post up in a spare room, office, or partition off a part of the living room
- Install required home medical equipment: If this is a long-term lifestyle adjustment, you may need to speak with a home health care provider near you about installing a stair lift or hospital bed
- Put fresh sheets on the bed: Having freshly laundered sheets on the bed after surgery will feel great and will prevent you from having to struggle to make your bed while you’re recovering
- Keep essentials at arm's reach: Place items like water, medications, charging cables, and your phone within arm’s reach
Bathroom
- Add grab bars: Install grab bars in the shower and next to the toilet for support. You may need to have a home health care professional visit your home for installation
- Do the laundry: Keep clean towels and washcloths within reach
- Try a shower chair: Use a shower chair if standing for long periods is difficult
- Use non-slip mats: Place non-slip mats in the shower and on bathroom floors
Kitchen
- Make it accessible: Store frequently used items within easy reach to avoid bending or stretching
- Meal prep: Plan, prepare, and freeze healthy, balanced meals to have ready-made foods that support recovery and nutrition. You may also want to use meal delivery services.
- Stock up: Go grocery shopping before your procedure
- Use non-slip mats: Place non-slip mats in the kitchen to prevent falling
Living Areas
- Claim your space: Choose a place in the room that you want to set up. This might be facing the TV, close to the fireplace, or next to a window. No matter where you feel most at home, create a comfortable seating arrangement that’s easy to get in and out of. That way, if you need medical equipment like a drip IV for infusion therapy or respiratory equipment for COPD support, you’ve got comfortable access
- Prepare activities to pass the time:[VR1] Keep your phone, charger, remote, laptop, books, water, snacks, or anything else that you might want to help pass the time next to the area where you’ll be resting
- Rearrange furniture: Arrange furniture to create clear pathways for walking – especially if you’ll be using crutches or a wheelchair
Make Plans for Your Well-Being and Recovery
Be intentional about walking through your space and staying safe. If you need assistance at home, the AdventHealth home care team is here to help. Our skilled nurses, therapists, and home health aides can help you regain strength and find healing at home.
Speak to a home health specialist about post-surgery recovery home-prep or to learn more about our comprehensive home health care services.
