Home-based recovery from surgery is as much about creating a safe and supportive environment where you can heal as it is about adhering to all of your physician’s instructions. Most homes are not set up to promote patient safety; however, there are many ways you can create a safe and supportive environment to support your recovery. The many design elements of your home (stairs, slippery floors, low furniture and narrow corridors) can present serious challenges to your ability to safely navigate your home once you have been discharged from the hospital. However, with today’s advances in technology, it has never been simpler to convert your home into a safe and supportive environment for recovery. This includes new technologies such as smart medical devices and assistive devices for mobility, as well as simple home modifications. A few simple adaptations can dramatically lower your risk of falling, maintain your independence and support a rapid recovery. Here are some ideas for how you can prepare your home for a successful post-surgical return to normalcy.
Importance of Home-Based Safety Following Surgery
Regardless of whether you underwent an orthopedic surgical procedure, a heart operation, spine surgery or other form of major surgery, your body will need a certain amount of time to heal. During this period of time you will experience limited mobility, muscle weakness, pain/discomfort, loss of balance and fatigue. If you do not properly prepare your home, these limitations could result in increased chances of experiencing slips/falls and injuries as well as undue stress on your body. By preparing your home before your discharge from the hospital, you can make daily routines easier for yourself while restoring confidence throughout the remainder of your recovery.
Conduct a Home-Based Hazard Assessment
Prior to implementing any changes to your home, conduct a hazard assessment. Walk-through each area of your home to identify potential hazards. Pay particular attention to:
- Loosely laid rugs/carpets
- Cords lying across walkways
- Slippery surfaces on bathroom floors
- Lack of sufficient lighting
- Tight spaces surrounding furniture arrangements
- Uneven flooring
- Excessive clutter in hallways
Once you identify the hazards in your home, removing those hazards is usually the initial step towards establishing a safe recovery environment.
Enhancing Your Bedroom Environment
Your bed is typically going to be the focal point of your recovery. To make it easier to get in and out of bed (and to avoid putting pressure on a sore back), use an adjustable hospital bed. Adjustable hospital beds enable you to elevate either the upper portion of your body or the lower portion of your body which makes it easier for you to:
- Sitting upright by yourself
- Improving circulation
- Reducing swelling
- Decreasing strain on your back
- Easier sleep
Adding railings around the side of the bed, purchasing a pressure-relieving mattress or an over-the-counter table can add to both comfort and accessibility.
Making Bathrooms Safer
Bathrooms are among the most hazardous places in a person’s home — particularly after they have undergone surgery. There are many simple things you can do to make a big difference.
Installing Hand Rails
Hand rails should be installed at:
- Toilet
- Shower entrance
- Bathtub
- In the shower
Provide additional support when sitting, standing or moving from place-to-place.
Using A Shower Chair
During early stages of recovery, patients may find themselves unable to stand for extended periods of time. A shower chair enables patients to take showers safely while minimizing their chance of slipping.
Using A Raised Toilet Seat
Patients who have undergone hip/knee/spinal surgeries will benefit greatly from raising their toilet seat. Raising the toilet seat will minimize the need for bending and put less pressure on the patient’s joints.
Creating Safe Routes Through Your Home
It is equally as important that you are able to safely move throughout your home as it is that you establish safe areas within your home.
Removing Unnecessary Furniture and Widening Pathways
Clear routes through your home will be necessary for:
- Walkers
- Rollators
- Wheelchairs
- Crutches
Do not position decorative items or store containers in areas that are used regularly as part of your walking route. When feasible, remove furniture to create clear routes between your bedroom/bathroom/kitchen/living room.
Increasing Lighting Through-Out Your Home
Lighting plays a significant role in preventing household accidents.
New forms of lighting options include:
- Motion-sensitive nightlights
- LED pathway lights
- Smart light systems
- Battery powered emergency lights
Position nightlights in bedrooms/hallways/stairwells/bathrooms so that you have better visibility at night.
Limiting Stair Use
Stairs can prove problematic during recovery. Consider setting up a temporary bedroom on the main level. Keep essentials located within arm’s length. Avoid traveling between floors whenever possible. Ensure that there are sturdy handrails installed on both sides of every staircase. In situations where long-term mobility challenges are anticipated, consider installing a stairlift.
Acquiring Temporary Mobility Assistance Devices
Recovery often necessitates temporary use of mobility assistance devices. Depending upon your physician’s recommendations, consider acquiring:
- Walkers
- Rollators
- Wheelchairs
- Knee scooters
- Transport chairs
Many of these types of devices are available for rent which provides a cost-effective solution during short-term recoveries. Properly utilizing mobility assistance devices will decrease the possibility of falls and encourage safe movement/rehabilitation.
Utilizing Smart Home Technologies
Smart home technologies can enhance the convenience/independence associated with your recovery.
Examples of popular smart home technologies include:
Voice-controlled assistants
Voice assistants allow individuals to:
- Turn lights ON/OFF
- Call others
- Remind others to administer medications
- Listen to music
- Operate smart appliances
By doing so, without having to physically leave your location.
Smart doorbells
Smart doorbells allow individuals to view visitors remotely without having to rush to answer the door.
Smart thermostats
Smart thermostats allow individuals to control room temperatures remotely thereby avoiding frequent trips back-and-forth to adjust thermostats.
Automated Lighting
Automated lighting can be voice activated or programmed to activate automatically at designated times thereby enhancing both safety and convenience.
Stocking Frequently Needed Supplies Near Your Bed
Avoid excessive stretching/leaning/climbing by storing frequently accessed items near your bed. Stock your bedside organizer or rolling cart with:
- Medications
- Water bottle
- Chargers for phones/tablets/computers
- Medical supplies
- Snacks
- Remote controls
- Books/Magazines etc.
Assisting in Preventing Falls
Fall prevention should continue to be a primary concern until you have fully recovered from your surgery.
Additional steps that you can take include:
- Wearing shoes with slip-resistant bottoms
- Removing loose rugs/carpeting
- Placing anti-slip mats in bathrooms
- Cleaning spills immediately
- Keeping pets away from pathways/walking areas
- Securing loose electrical cords
- Carrying minimal loads while using mobility devices
Every small safety habit can contribute significantly to fall prevention.
Preparing For Emergencies
Although you have planned carefully for your return home from the hospital, emergencies can still occur. Have the following readily available:
- Contact Information For Emergency Services
- Physician Contact Information
- List Of Medications Prescribed To You
- Flashlight
- Cell Phone (fully charged)
- Personal Medical Alert Device (if prescribed by a healthcare professional).
Having emergency preparedness measures in place can offer reassurance for both patients and caregivers alike.