Recovery after surgery is vital and ensuring safety post-operation is a critical step. Preparing the home and taking a few precautions will be a lifeline for those who have recently been discharged from the hospital. Here are five tips.

Tips for Recovering Safely After Surgery

1. Stock Up

Whether you will be on a restricted diet after your procedure or you will have limited mobility, a stocked freezer and pantry will help. Prepare meals ahead of time and freeze them, and make sure to have nonperishable staples in the cupboard, so you have plenty of options. Good nutrition is vital for your recovery, making a well-stocked kitchen a top step.

2. Consider Home Care

You may need help with a variety of tasks after surgery, from bathing to changing bandages. Look into a home caregiver or visiting nurse who can assist with certain necessities in the few days after you get home. Always set up the first appointment before you leave the hospital, so there is no gap in care.

3. Stay on the First Floor

If your home has multiple levels, move onto the first floor for the duration of your recovery. Set up a sleeping area, so you don’t have to go up and down stairs, and make sure to have easy access to essentials like a bathroom.

4. Boost Safety

Remove clutter, so there is nothing in your way that can cause falls or injuries, especially if moving about is more difficult post-surgery. Set up nightlights for moving in the dark, and wear slippers, flat shoes, or socks with non-skid grips on the bottom to reduce slip risks. Also, consider adding a shower seat and handrails in the bathroom for extra safety, as well as lifeline equipment like medical alert necklaces in case something happens while you are alone.

5. Ask About Limitations

Speak with your doctor to learn what you can and can’t do, and how long you must wait to return to your regular activity. Ask about driving, traveling, and returning to work. Also, find out about possible side effects to watch for and what to do if you feel them, such as fever, pain, nausea, dizziness, and lethargy.

If you or a loved one has recently been released from the hospital after surgery, you want to ensure safety at all costs. That is where Around the Clock Medical Alarms in Cape Girardeau, MO, comes in. Their goal is to help individuals stay secure and independent in their own space by way of their medical alarm systems. These personal items are small and waterproof but have a range the size of three football fields to guarantee you have a lifeline when you need it most. Their knowledgeable team also provides 24-hour customer service, so you have a friendly, personal emergency response system any time of day. Call (573) 334-7233 for more on their medical alert bracelets and necklaces, or visit their website for more on their products.