If your loved one is having surgery, the time before they come home is your best opportunity to prepare. A few simple modifications and preparations can make recovery safer, smoother, and more comfortable.

This article covers what to do before your loved one returns home after surgery.

Ask the Doctor What to Expect

Before surgery, ask the doctor or surgeon:

✓What will recovery involve? How long will it take?
✓What will your loved one be able to do and not do?
✓Will they need to use a walker, crutches, or a wheelchair?
✓Will they be on restricted activity (no stairs, no lifting, no driving)?
✓Will they need wound care?
✓What equipment will they need at home?
✓What medications will they be taking?
✓What warning signs should you watch for?

The answers will guide your preparations. Different surgeries have different recovery requirements. A hip replacement, heart surgery, and cataract surgery all require very different preparations.

Prepare the Home

Create a Recovery Area

If your loved one will spend most of their time on one floor, set up a recovery area there:

✓A comfortable chair with arms for getting up and down
✓A firm bed at a height that is easy to get in and out of
✓A phone and charger within reach
✓A table for medications, water, snacks, books, and the remote
✓A trash can and a bedside lamp

If the bedroom is upstairs and stairs are restricted, set up a sleeping area on the ground floor.

Bathroom Modifications

The bathroom is the most important room to prepare:

✓Install grab bars next to the toilet and in the shower
✓Add a non-slip mat inside the shower or tub
✓Get a shower chair and handheld showerhead
✓Consider a raised toilet seat
✓Clear the path to the bathroom of all obstacles
✓Install night lights along the path

See our article on bathroom safety for seniors for detailed guidance.

General Safety

✓Remove or secure all loose rugs
✓Clear all walkways of clutter, cords, and furniture
✓Ensure good lighting throughout the house
✓Install night lights in hallways and bathrooms
✓If stairs are required, ensure handrails are secure on both sides
✓Consider a stair lift if stairs are required but difficult

See our room-by-room home safety checklist for a comprehensive guide.

Kitchen Preparation

✓Move frequently used items to waist height
✓Prepare and freeze meals in advance
✓Stock easy-to-prepare food: soups, sandwiches, crackers, fruit
✓Have plenty of water and other fluids available
✓Consider paper plates and utensils to reduce dishwashing

Accessibility

✓If your loved one will use a walker or wheelchair, ensure doorways are wide enough
✓Remove thresholds or add ramps for entry
✓Consider a bedside commode if the bathroom is far from the recovery area
✓Place a phone in every room your loved one will use

Gather Supplies

Medical Supplies

✓[ ] All prescribed medications (pick up before coming home)
✓[ ] A pill organizer
✓[ ] Any wound care supplies recommended by the hospital
✓[ ] A thermometer
✓[ ] Compression stockings if recommended
✓[ ] Ice packs and a heating pad

Equipment

✓[ ] Walker, crutches, or cane (if needed)
✓[ ] Shower chair
✓[ ] Raised toilet seat
✓[ ] Grab bars (installed)
✓[ ] Bedside commode (if needed)
✓[ ] Reacher tool (for picking up items without bending)

Comfort Items

✓[ ] Loose, comfortable clothing that is easy to put on
✓[ ] Slip-on shoes with non-slip soles
✓[ ] Extra pillows for positioning and comfort
✓[ ] Entertainment: books, magazines, tablet, TV remote
✓[ ] A water bottle with a straw

Arrange Support

Family and Friends

✓Who will be with your loved one for the first 24 to 48 hours?
✓Who will handle meals, medications, and personal care?
✓Create a schedule so someone is always available in the first few days

See our article on creating a family caregiving schedule for strategies.

Professional Care

If family cannot provide enough support, arrange professional care before the surgery:

✓Contact a care agency and schedule a care assessment
✓Arrange for a caregiver to be present on the day of discharge
✓Plan the schedule for the first few weeks

See our article on how in-home care supports recovery after hospital discharge for more.

Home Health

If the doctor orders home health (skilled nursing, physical therapy), confirm the agency and schedule before discharge. Home health and in-home care work together: home health provides medical care, and in-home care provides daily support.

Plan for the Day of Discharge

✓Arrange transportation home from the hospital
✓Have someone available to pick up prescriptions on the way home
✓Plan a light meal for when you get home
✓Review the discharge instructions before leaving the hospital
✓Ask questions if anything is unclear

A Final Note

Preparation is the best defense against complications after surgery. A few hours of work before surgery can prevent days of problems after. Take the time to prepare the home, gather supplies, and arrange support. Your loved one's recovery will be smoother and safer for it.

If you would like help preparing for your loved one's return home after surgery, Healthy at Home offers a free care assessment. We can help you plan for the transition and provide the support your loved one needs.

Preparing the Home Before an Older Adult Returns From Surgery