Planning support at home

Before surgery, ask your team:

• Will someone need to take me home or stay with me?
• Which everyday tasks might I need help with, and for how long?
• Will I need any equipment or changes at home?
• Who can help me arrange support if I need it?

Family, friends or carers may find it easier to help when they know what you need. Consider asking someone to:

• Take you home or to a follow-up appointment.
• Help with groceries, meals or collecting prescribed medicines.
• Look after children, pets or household tasks.
• Keep you company or check in at an agreed time.

You can ask different people to help with different things. Check that any arrangement meets your hospital’s discharge requirements.

Think about what would make your first days home more manageable:

• Keep frequently used items within comfortable reach.
• Make sure walkways are clear.
• Plan meals and shopping around any dietary instructions from your team.
• Keep your phone, charger, discharge instructions and contact numbers easy to find.
• Ask about managing stairs, bathing or other tasks that concern you.

Tell your care team before surgery. Ask what arrangements are needed and whether support services may be available.

You do not need to have every solution worked out before asking. Let the team know about difficulties with transport, accommodation, costs or caring responsibilities.

Ask your team to explain your recovery plan to you and, with your permission, your support person. Check that you know what help is needed, who to contact and what to do if concerns arise.