How to Prepare Your Home for Surgery Recovery: Safe and Comfortable Tips After Surgery
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Knowing how to prepare your home for surgery recovery is one of the most important steps toward a safe and comfortable healing process. Recovering from surgery doesn’t end when you leave the hospital — it continues at home, where your surroundings play a vital role in how smoothly you heal. At Medfirst Homecare, we understand that every recovery journey is unique. That’s why we offer personalized guidance and medical equipment solutions to help patients regain independence and confidence during the healing process.
How to Prepare Your Home for Surgery Recovery: Make Your Home a Safe Space
Before coming home, take time to review your space carefully. Remove any potential hazards that could cause slips or falls, such as area rugs, electrical cords, or clutter in walkways. Ensure there’s good lighting throughout your home, especially near stairs, hallways, and bathrooms.
If mobility will be limited — for example, after orthopedic or abdominal surgery — make sure that furniture is arranged to allow for easy movement with a walker, crutches, or wheelchair. Safety should always come first, even before comfort or aesthetics.
How to Prepare Your Home for Surgery Recovery: Essential Areas to Adapt
Certain areas of your home will require special attention:
- Bedroom: Ensure your bed is at a comfortable height so you can get in and out easily without strain. If you need to adjust your sleeping position during recovery — such as elevating your head or legs — consider renting an adjustable hospital bed for greater comfort and flexibility.
- Bathroom: The bathroom is one of the most common areas for slips and falls. Install grab bars near the toilet and shower, use a non-slip bath mat, and consider adding a raised toilet seat, shower chair, or transfer bench for extra stability and support. If stepping over a bathtub feels unsafe, a tub transfer bench can make entry and exit much easier. Keep in mind that limited bathroom space may require creative solutions. A hand-held shower sprayer can also provide added convenience during recovery.
- Living Room & Kitchen: Keep frequently used items — such as medications, remote controls, or kitchen utensils — within easy reach to minimize bending or stretching. Store refrigerator items at eye level when possible, and use a reacher tool to access items placed higher or lower. If your couch feels too low, you can elevate it to a safer height post-surgery. Many patients also find recliner chairs particularly useful after procedures like mastectomy, shoulder surgery, or knee and hip replacements.
- Stairs: If your home has multiple levels, consider renting or purchasing a stair climber to assist with safe mobility. For example, one of our clients found it especially helpful after an ankle fracture.
Decide Whether to Rent or Buy Medical Equipment
One of the most common questions after surgery is whether it’s better to rent or purchase medical equipment.
If your recovery will be short-term, renting items such as hospital beds, wheelchairs, or mobility scooters may be the most cost-effective choice. However, for long-term or chronic conditions, purchasing may make more sense.
At Medfirst Homecare, we provide both rental and purchase options, along with professional guidance to help you choose what’s best for your specific situation. You can visit our showroom in New Jersey to see and try the equipment in person — from mobility aids and lift recliners to bathroom safety accessories and pressure relief mattresses.
Plan for Personal Assistance and Support
After surgery, you’ll likely need help with everyday tasks such as bathing, dressing, preparing meals, or moving around safely. It’s important to arrange for a caregiver or family member to be available — ideally full-time during the first few days.
Schedule a Home Assessment to Help You Prepare for Surgery Recovery
To make sure your home environment meets your recovery needs, Medfirst Homecare offers in-home assessments with Diane Holland, our experienced Physical Therapist with over 35 years of expertise in rehabilitation and mobility care.
During the Home Assessment, Diane visits your home to:
- Evaluate accessibility and identify potential safety risks.
- Recommend the most appropriate equipment for your recovery.
- Offer personalized advice to improve your comfort and independence.
This service helps ensure that your home setup truly supports your healing process — not just physically, but emotionally and practically as well. Diane’s compassionate approach and clinical background make her a trusted guide for patients and families preparing for post-surgery recovery at home.
Prepare the Essentials Before You Return
Make sure your recovery area is ready before you come home. Set up a small table or rolling cart with everything you’ll need within easy reach, including:
- Prescribed medications and pain relievers
- A water bottle to stay hydrated
- Clean bandages or wound care supplies
- Comfortable clothing and extra pillows for positioning
- Your phone, charger, and remote controls
If possible, arrange to have meals pre-cooked or delivered for the first few days. The less you have to worry about logistics, the more you can focus on healing.
Emotional Preparation Matters Too
Recovery isn’t only physical — it’s also emotional. Many patients feel frustrated by temporary limitations or dependence on others. It’s completely normal to feel this way. Create a calm environment that promotes rest and positivity. Play relaxing music, keep natural light in your recovery space, and don’t hesitate to ask for help when you need it.
Get Expert Guidance with Medfirst Homecare
Recovering from surgery can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Medfirst Homecare provides a full range of medical equipment rentals, purchases, and professional home assessments to help you recover safely and comfortably.
Our expert, Diane Holland, PT, can visit your home, assess your environment, and guide you in selecting the right tools for your recovery — whether that’s a hospital bed, walker, commode, or pressure-relieving mattress.
Let us help you transform your home into a safe, healing space designed for your needs.
📍 Visit our showroom in New Jersey or explore our full selection online at www.medfirsthomecare.com.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When should I start preparing my home before surgery?
Ideally, begin at least one week before your scheduled procedure. This gives you enough time to make adjustments, order or rent equipment, and ensure everything is ready before you return.
What medical equipment is most useful after surgery?
Commonly used items include hospital beds, wheelchairs, walkers, lift chairs, commodes, raised toilet seats, and shower chairs — depending on the type of surgery and your mobility level.
Is it better to rent or buy recovery equipment?
It depends on how long you’ll need it. If your recovery is short-term, renting may be more affordable. For longer recovery or ongoing conditions, purchasing may be more practical.
How can I schedule a home assessment with Medfirst Homecare?
Simply call us or visit www.medfirsthomecare.com to request an appointment with Diane Holland, Physical Therapist. She’ll visit your home, assess your needs, and provide expert recommendations tailored to your recovery plan.
How long will I need to keep medical equipment at home?
That depends on the type of surgery and your recovery progress. Diane or your physician can help determine the appropriate duration and when it’s safe to return equipment.
Preparing your home properly before surgery can significantly improve your comfort, confidence, and speed of recovery. With the right setup, professional guidance, and quality medical equipment, you’ll create a space that supports healing — every step of the way.
Trust Medfirst Homecare to help you recover safely, comfortably, and with the expert support you deserve.
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