What to Pack for a Senior’s Temporary Stay After Surgery
Recovery from surgery doesn’t happen overnight, especially for older adults. A strong recovery may not require a long hospital stay, but going home too early can also be less than ideal. Many folks take advantage of temporary stays at short-term facilities as a middle ground. If you’re helping a loved one prepare for post-surgical care away from home, our team can help. Here’s what you should pack during surgery preparation to ensure your loved one’s temporary stay goes smoothly.
Where to Start During Surgery Preparation
Every person is different, but as a general rule of thumb, you should try to balance medical needs with personal comfort when you pack for post-surgical care. Clothing is a good place to start. Opt for comfortable, accessible clothing that makes sense for the type of surgery your loved one will have. For example, folks with hip or knee replacements might need wide-legged pants or shorts with elastic waistbands.
Footwear is equally important. Falls are a major risk during senior recovery, so be sure to pack sturdy, non-slip shoes or sneakers with Velcro closures. Laces can be difficult to manage for someone with limited mobility, and slip-on shoes often lack proper heel support for walking exercises. Use this simple clothing checklist to get started:
- 5-7 days of comfortable, loose-fitting clothes (sweatpants, t-shirts, cardigans);
- Undergarments and socks (consider non-skid socks);
- Sturdy, non-slip athletic shoes;
- Pajamas and a robe (ensure the robe isn’t too long to prevent tripping hazards);
- A light jacket or sweater.
What Personal Items Should I Pack?
While most facilities provide basic hygiene products, they are often generic and lower quality than what your loved one is used to. Bringing familiar toiletries can provide a massive morale boost and help maintain a sense of normalcy before discharge. Keep in mind that bathroom counter space may be limited. A hanging toiletry bag is an excellent solution to keep items organized and accessible. Also, choose items that are accessible to your loved one. For instance, if they have arthritis, you might choose pump bottles over squeeze tubes. Here’s your basic toiletries checklist:
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, and denture care supplies;
- Hairbrush or comb;
- Deodorant;
- Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash;
- Moisturizing lotion;
- Lip balm;
- Incontinence briefs, if needed.
Do I Need Any Identification Documents for a Temporary Stay?
Don’t forget about the administrative side of senior recovery! When your loved one is admitted, the facility will likely need to verify insurance coverage and medical history. We recommend having a dedicated folder with all the right documents for a smoother intake process. Be sure you have all of the following on hand:
- Driver’s license or state-issued ID card;
- Health insurance cards;
- Social Security card (a copy is usually sufficient);
- Power of Attorney (POA) or Living Will documents;
- A current list of family contacts and doctors.
What Medications Will My Loved One Need?
Typically, skilled nursing facilities and rehab centers dispense all medications from their own pharmacy for safety purposes. They usually don’t allow patients to take medications they bring from home. However, it’s always helpful to have a list of current medications, dosages, and frequencies. In some cases, a facility might ask you to bring the actual bottles for verification. If you have any concerns about your loved one’s medications or missed doses, don’t hesitate to contact the facility. Specialists in temporary homecare should be able to answer your questions and address any issues.
What Other Recovery Aids Should I Pack?
Recovering from surgery isn’t just about waiting for the body to heal. It’s an active process, and your loved one can help speed along their recovery with a few additional supplies. Their doctor or therapist may recommend specific devices, but comfort items can be just as important. Everyone’s checklist will look a little different here, but this is a general guide to what items your loved one may need:
- Mobility Aids—This includes anything that helps your loved one get around like a walker, cane, or wheelchair. Label each item clearly with their name;
- Respiratory Aids—Breathing aids like CPAP machines or nebulizers are helpful for folks with sleep apnea or other respiratory problems;
- Hearing and Vision Aids—Be sure to pack hearing aids with extra batteries and glasses in their dedicated case;
- Entertainment—What does your loved one like to do for fun? Packing a book, magazine, e-reader, or tablet can keep them occupied during long days;
- Chargers—Don’t forget the right charging cables! The longer the better, as outlets are sometimes behind the bed and hard to reach;
- Comfort Items—This could be anything that brings your loved one a bit of comfort—a family photo, blanket, or small pillow.
Preparing for a Successful Recovery
Packing for a temporary stay after surgery is about finding the balance between medical needs and personal comfort. Fortunately, you can find the right combination of items with support from your loved one’s healthcare team and a bit of research. Family caregiving is rarely easy, but SmithLife Homecare is in your corner. We serve families in Rockville, MD and Washington DC, and if your loved one needs homecare after surgery, we can help. Contact us today for details.