If you've ever had a major surgical procedure, you know that an essential part of the recovery process is getting enough rest and relaxation. The amount of time it takes to recover largely depends on things like the extent of your procedure, your age, and your general health. Although the average person can often return to normal activities days after a minor surgery, undergoing a more extensive surgical procedure can often expect a prolonged hospital stay followed by recovery time of weeks or months before they can function completely unassisted.
Now for the good news: You don't always have to stay in the hospital the entire time you're recovering from surgery. There are many home health care options that allow patients to return home and continue to receive the care and clinical supervision they need from a team of licensed medical professionals.
A seamless transition from hospital to home
When you have recovered enough from surgery to avoid an overnight hospital stay, the hospital care team will begin the process of transitioning you home.
After an extensive surgical procedure that includes most orthopedic surgeries, your doctor will likely recommend additional post-operative care and rehabilitation services, most of which can often be provided in your home. Your doctor or a hospital social worker can recommend a home health agency if you don't have a particular one you'd like to use. However, you can always choose your own home health care provider if you have a preference. If home care is not automatically recommended for you, you can always ask your provider to write an order for services, especially if you think additional care and medical supervision might be beneficial when you return home.
Your Health care near me team may be made up of a mix of licensed and specially trained professionals, including registered nurses, certified nursing assistants, physical therapists, speech therapists, and occupational therapists. Depending on your personal situation, a plan of care may include one or more of the following health care, personal care, and support services that are performed in your home:
