Preparing for Surgery and Returning Home
A guide for patients, family and carers
Planning ahead helps you recover safely, confidently, and as soon as possible.
Important
Patients and families are responsible for arranging as much support as possible before admission. Family, friends, and community support play a vital role in your recovery.
- Prepare for your hospital stay
- Know what to expect after your procedure
- Plan for a safe and successful return home
- Identify the support and equipment you may need.
Understanding Your Procedure
Before surgery, make sure you understand:
- Why you are having the procedure
- What to expect during your stay
- Recovery time and limitations
- Pain and symptom management
- Mobility after surgery
- Follow-up appointments
- Referral to Rehabilitation can only be assessed after surgery by your doctor.
Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Team
- What can I expect after surgery?
- How mobile will I be?
- Will I require equipment?
- How long will I need help at home?
- What are the warning signs that I should seek help?
Medication Checklist
Before surgery
- I have provided a complete medication list
- I have included vitamins, supplements and herbal medicines
- I understand which medications to continue
- I understand which medications to stop
- I understand my fasting instructions
- I know which medications to take on the day of surgery
High-Risk Medications
Please discuss with your doctor
- Blood thinners
- Diabetes medications and insulin
- Weight-loss medications
- Immuno-suppressant medications
- Herbal and complementary medicines
Never stop or change your medications without medical advice
Planning Your Return Home
Start planning early
- Who will drive me home?
- Who can stay with me after discharge?
- Who can help with meals and shopping?
- Who can help with cleaning?
- Who can assist with pets?
- Who can assist with caring responsibilities?
Additional planning may be required if you:
- Live alone or have limited support,
- Have difficulty walking safely or managing stairs
- Need assistance with personal care/showers
- Have significant mobility restrictions
- Have complex medical needs
- Need accommodation in Perth after surgery (for rural patients)
Please discuss with your health care team before admission (see team below)
Pre-Surgery Checklist
- I have my medication and vitamins in original packets to take to the hospital ☐
- I have arranged for someone to take me home from hospital at 10 AM ☐
- I have arranged for someone to stay with me or check on me after discharge ☐
- I have organised at least 2–3 days of support after surgery ☐
- I live rurally, and I have organised accommodation in Perth after surgery (if required) ☐
- I have organised help with shopping and meal preparation ☐
- I have checked with my surgeon to see when it is safe to drive again ☐
- I understand directions for my medications ☐
- I have organised help with household tasks – cleaning, laundry and gardening ☐
- I have organised equipment or mobility aids if required ☐
- I have organised care for children or dependents ☐
- I have planned for the care of my pets ☐
- I understand rehabilitation referrals are made only after surgery once my doctor has assessed my recovery needs ☐
Equipment and services you may need to improve your safety and independence at home.
This may include:
- Crutches
- Walking frame
- Shower chair
- Handrails
- My Aged Care
- Home Help
- Personal care
- Transport
- Meal deliveries
Your health care team
- Surgeon and specialist nurse
- Anaesthetist
- GP and practice nurse
- Local Physiotherapist