Preparations for surgery are often daunting for patients, and one of the biggest concerns is “How soon will I get back to my independent lifestyle?” No one can predict exactly when that will happen, but there is a lot you can do now to make a plan for your recovery.
Transitional rehabilitation and physical therapy will likely play an important role in the process of helping you return home after a hospital stay. Let’s cover some basic issues and questions you will need to consider as you recover.
Preparations With Your Caregivers
Many patients require some level of care and assistance with routine tasks when they return home from surgery or a stay in the hospital. Knowing who those caregivers will be and having honest conversations with them now will do a lot to pave the way for you to make an easier transition home. Here are some things you and your potential caregivers should discuss:
- What is their availability to help you during your recovery?
- How will this impact their other responsibilities and commitments?
- A checklist of resources they can review now and use later, including contact information for your doctor and healthcare professionals.
- Tasks you might need help with, and their comfort level with providing that help.
It can be an overwhelming amount of ground to cover with a friend or loved one, but these conversations will play an important part in avoiding confusion or frustrations after your hospital stay. You can find additional articles and resources to review or discuss with your caregivers here.
Medication Management
One of the most common issues patients need to navigate in recovering from surgery is a change in medications. It is vitally important that you and your caregivers understand what medications you will be taking as you recover and how they might interact with your current medications.
Possible side effects should be reviewed, along with dosage, timing, and special instructions for each medication. Now is a good time to determine where you will get new medications from—the hospital or your pharmacy—as well as whether or not those medications will be covered by your insurance.
Self-Assessment Guidelines
Taking a comprehensive and honest self-assessment before surgery and during your recovery is one of the biggest factors in making a successful and speedy transition home.
How would you describe your normal energy levels and ability to perform basic routines and tasks like walking (especially up and down stairs), driving, cooking, bathing, and dressing? Taking time now to discuss how your particular surgery might impact your ability to perform daily activities and making a provisional plan with your caregivers will help address your concerns.
Discussing what the benchmarks for your recovery will be that allow you to be discharged from the hospital or rehabilitation facility will give you a realistic idea of what to expect, and help you make a plan to reach each of your goals.
Choosing a Transitional Rehab Facility
Your rehab provider is going to play a major role in assisting you with all aspects of your recovery, and there is a lot of ground to cover when considering potential providers. Conducting interviews with potential providers and touring their facilities are both good measures you can take now to make sure you find the care that best fits your needs.
Pennybyrn has become a trusted transitional rehab facility with our High Point and Greensboro, NC, patients because we understand the concerns you and your caregivers will face after a surgery, illness, or unexpected stay in a hospital. Our program is designed to help patients relax, renew, refresh, and recover.
A Free Guide to Learn More
Pennybyrn’s free Transitional Rehab e-book contains more detailed information about issues you should consider now as you’re making a plan for your recovery. The e-book has checklists to help you assess your home environment that will make your move home easier, as well as questions to ask potential transitional rehabilitation providers. You’ll also find specific guidance for evaluating inpatient rehab facilities that will help you feel confident you’re making a good decision about your care.
Download our free Transitional Rehab e-book now, and know we are here to answer all your questions. There is a lot to consider and arrange before your surgery or hospitalization. Let our dedicated staff assist you in your planning.