Recovering from surgery can be a painful and time-consuming process. And if you live alone, the task can be even more daunting. However, as long as you prepare in advance, you can make your recovery journey easier. Do your research upfront about what to expect your healing timeframe to look like. Prepare your house as much as possible for when you come home. Build a support network of friends and family you can rely on for anything from rides to laundry. And finally, if this isn’t possible, enlist the help of professionals who can help you with your healing. Hopefully, by taking steps to prepare in advance, you’ll be able to recover quickly from your surgery.

Recovering from Surgery If You Live Alone: The Healing Process

Do Your Homework

When recovering from surgery when you live alone, it’s helpful to do your homework upfront. Research your surgery and exactly what the recovery process will look like. Ask your doctor questions about what to expect, how long healing should take, and how to prepare.

Prepare Your House

It’s also helpful to prepare your house for recovering from surgery. If your surgery will prevent you from using stairs or getting around without a wheelchair, you might even need to rearrange the furniture. Prepare meals in advance for yourself so that you can easily re-heat, and make sure that you are stocked up on essential toiletries. If you’ll need any special products for your recovery journey, purchase them in advance.

Build a Support Network

Try to build a support network around yourself to help when recovering from surgery. This is the time to lean on friends and family for help. They can assist you with things like getting you to and from the hospital, purchasing groceries, doing lawn maintenance, or helping with other chores. Don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.

Enlist Professional Help

If friends and family are unable to help when you’re recovering from surgery, there are plenty of professional resources that you can use. Some companies can assist you with driving you to and from places. There are also meal services and delivery companies. You might need help getting to and from physical therapy, assistance with grocery shopping, or help with things like bathroom needs and showering. Reach out to companies ahead of your procedure so that they can be ready to help you when you are out of surgery.

Recovering from surgery when you live alone can be difficult, but is doable if you plan. Figuring out exactly what to expect from your recovery can go a long way in helping you to prepare your home for your convalescence. You might need to rearrange your home or purchase some medical equipment. Lean on friends and family to help you with basic tasks, and don’t hesitate to call them if you are needing help or experiencing any post-operative issues. If you are having a difficult time getting the help you need to be lined up, enlist professionals. There are many support resources available for post-operative patients. Hopefully, by taking some time ahead of your surgery to figure out exactly what your recovery should look like, you can prepare yourself mentally and practically for quick healing.