Introduction
Getting your home ready after you have been in the hospital often requires much preparation.
Set up your home to make your life is easier and safer when you return. Ask your doctor, nurses, or physical therapist about getting your home ready for your return.
If your surgery is planned, prepare your home in advance. If your hospital stay was unplanned, have family or friends prepare your home for you. You may not need all of the changes listed below. But read carefully for some good ideas on how you can remain safe and healthy in your home.
Make it Easy for Yourself
Make sure everything you need is easy to get to and on the same floor where you will spend most of your time.
- Set up your bed on the first floor (or the entry floor) if you can.
- Have a bathroom or a portable commode on the same floor where you will spend most of your day.
- Stock up on canned or frozen food, toilet paper, shampoo, and other personal items.
- Either buy or make single meals that can be frozen and reheated.
- Make sure you can reach everything you need without getting on your tiptoes or bending down.
- Put food and other supplies in a cupboard that is between your waist and shoulder level.
- Place glasses, silverware, and other items you use often on the kitchen counter.
- Make sure you can get to your phone. A cell phone or wireless phone can be helpful.
Place a chair with a firm back in the kitchen, bedroom, bathroom, and other rooms you will use. This way, you can sit when you do your daily tasks.
If you will be using a walker, attach a small basket to hold your phone, a notepad, a pen, and other things you will need to have close by. You can also wear fanny pack.
