Ways to Prepare Your Home for When you Return from Having Surgery

Updated on October 24, 2020

There might come a time in your life where you’ll need surgery to help relieve pain or other ailments you might be suffering from on a daily basis. It’s easy to neglect your current surroundings as they are normal to you now, but they could be challenging to navigate in the future after you’ve returned home from an operation. Set yourself up for a comfortable return with these little hints and tips. 

The Treatment in Question

Depending on your situation, the circumstances will differ but, in the case of a patient requiring an operation for a cancer ailment, it’s good to know your options. With the advancements in technology and medicine, there are other methods to consider other than traditional surgery. Laser cancer treatment is an alternative that provides the patient with a less invasive option for dealing with colon polyps or when needing to remove obstructions. It’s another way to combat issues that prove problematic when it comes to cancer.

Bedroom Precautions

The last thing you’ll want to deal with when returning from surgery is having to rearrange the furniture in your bedroom to accommodate your new needs. One of the best things to do from the start is to remove excessive clutter built up in high traffic areas such as doorways and around important fixtures. Provide yourself with clear open pathways that will allow you to easily access the master bathroom or the exits to the rest of your home. Another way you can improve your mobility is by installing a light that is easy to reach or a nightlight that will give you illumination in the middle of the night if you need it. Then, of course, if you require a cane or other assistance moving about, be sure to have it within close proximity when you head to bed so that you can get to it quickly and efficiently at any moment. 

Preparing Your Bathroom

Another important location in your home that you need to be sure is ready for your return after surgery is the bathroom. As it is a prime spot in any house or apartment, ensuring it’s safe to use on a daily basis should be high on your list of things to do. Having a bathroom that is safe is key as floors that are slippery from moisture can lead to painful falls no one wants to deal with. Be sure to install or have someone install grab bars for entering and exiting your tub. And if you don’t already have a removable shower head, get one of those because it will make washing up tremendously easier if you have limited mobility. Beyond that, invest in slip-resistant surface items such as a bathmat and tub grips to help provide you with a stable platform when moving about your bathroom. 

Making Life Safe and Easy

When you think about creating a safe and comfortable environment in your home, it should include the ability to move around easily from room to room. Other than the bedroom and bathroom, what other high traffic room should be made safer? If you thought about the kitchen, you’d be absolutely correct. As you’ll need to prepare meals, get drinks, and otherwise use this space, preparing your kitchen for your eventual return is key to ensuring your safety. No one wants or needs to get hurt while simply getting a drink or a snack, but it could happen. Limit any possible chances by taking steps to safeguard your space. 

The Final Word

Other than the main rooms in your home, any pathways to and from your main entrance or garage should be made safe to travel along. Install motion-sensor lights that can help you navigate when the sun goes down. Be sure to have a sturdy railing to assist you with climbing stairs if need be. These are all small things that are easy to forget about, but with a quick look around, you’ll be able to spot problem areas that you or a loved one could fix prior to your return. So do yourself a service and make your home and the surrounding areas safer so you can get around nice and easily. 

The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.