When you return home from the hospital after surgery, you must prepare a bit to make the transition as smooth as possible. Once you are discharged from the hospital, whether you have knee surgery, hip replacement surgery, or any other type of surgery, your recovery depends on how well you prepare for the next stage of healing at home. Below are some supplies you can stock up on to ease your transition and recovery from surgery.
mobility Walking Cane Supplies
Following hip or knee surgery, your doctor or physical therapist will give you detailed instructions about walking safely at home. Additionally, they should tell you how much walking you should do, what supplies you need, and any prohibited activities, such as bending your knees or squatting.
You will need walking cane supplies depending on your surgery and previous mobility level. Following your procedure, you will likely need a cane or walker to get around your house.
In addition to recommending the proper type and size of cane or walker, your doctor or physical therapist can also provide information on where to purchase it.
Post-operative Bathroom Supplies
Following your surgery, you may need to outfit your bathroom with unique supplies. You can use grab bars to help you get in and out of the shower or bathtub and prevent falls. You may also need an extendable shower sponge to reach those hard-to-reach areas.
Discuss how you will use the bathroom at home with your nurse or occupational therapist. Your recovery may require you to use an elevated toilet seat or commode chair, depending on your surgery.
over the toilet & Bedside commode
Transferring to and from the toilet is easier when this device is raised to its highest position. Bedside commodes are placed beside beds or chairs during the night. For more mobile patients, some devices can be mounted over the top of the toilet with a splash guard instead of a bucket during the day.
Urinary Catheter Supplies
Ensure you have sufficient catheter supplies until your doctor says it is OK to remove your catheter if you have been discharged home with a urinary catheter. With this catheter, you can prevent incontinence-related skin breakdown, which facilitates urine drainage from your body.
You will need replacement urine drainage bags if you have a Foley catheter. Depending on how long you have the catheter, it may be necessary to have an extra catheter and catheter insertion supplies.
surgical Wound Care Supplies
While some operations do not involve invasion, many leave fresh wounds that must be cared for. Dressings and drains may need to be changed or removed by your doctor, but wound care can be done at home, so medical supplies should be stocked up for yourself or the person caring for you.
The following are examples of wound care supplies:
- Gauze
- Medical gloves
- Disinfectants and alcohol wipes
- Bandages
- Pain Relieving Medications
Bedsores prevention Supplies
Blood flow to underlying skin and tissue is restricted when excess pressure is placed on specific body parts. Most commonly, they occur in bedridden patients who cannot move during the day.
It most commonly affects the heels, elbows, buttocks, spine, shoulder blades, and other areas where the bones are closer to the skin. If adequately prepared, post-op bedsores are entirely avoidable. Consider investing in some of the following devices to prevent the formation of bedsores.
Alternating pressure mattress or pad
One of the best ways to prevent bedsores is to invest in an alternating-pressure mattress or pad. These devices use pumps to inflate a mattress (or pad) with air, which systematically changes the pressure exerted on a patient over the day.
Because excess pressure is the leading cause of bedsores, purchasing an alternating pressure device is one of the best preventative methods on the market.
Foam mattress or cushion
For those who can’t afford an alternating pressure mattress, a foam mattress or cushion is the next best option. Foam cushions can also be placed onto wheelchairs for added comfort and safety.
Body pads and braces
Body pads and braces are another alternative way to prevent bed sores. Consider investing in gel or sheepskin pads, which protect elbows and heels from excess pressure and friction.
Reaching and dressing aids.
Many people do not think about how they will get dressed following their surgery or how they will reach things. This is especially true following knee replacements and similar procedures, with heavy restrictions on how much you can move and how you can move in the days and weeks following your procedure.
Everything you need over the next month should be placed around waist height. Avoid putting things where you must reach up or bend down if possible. You might need a long-handled shoehorn to help you put your shoes on.
Similar aids for putting your socks on are also helpful. A reaching stick, or a long extendible rod with a grabbing mechanism on end, may also be helpful to grab items out of reach or put on pants and other clothing items.
With a well-prepared home and enough supplies to get you through the first few weeks after returning home, your recovery should be as smooth and comfortable as possible.
Bottom line
In addition to products, consider the patient’s well-being. After being discharged from the hospital, a patient may initially spend up to 24 hours a day in a single room while recovering at home.
Next, consider the caregiver. Will they initially need to stay in the recovery room? Sleep, especially in the first two weeks, can be difficult because of the patient’s pain level, and it might be necessary to assist the patient on and off the bedside commode.
During recovery from surgery, it is crucial to establish and meet small goals for the patient’s well-being and a quicker, healthier recovery.
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