Introduction

  

Whether a person has had minor or major surgery, there will be limits placed on activities when he or she returns home. When you provide support to someone in the home, your assistance will help that person recover with greater ease. Most people find it less stressful and more comfortable to be in their own home.

The surgeon will order their care so as to promote healing and make it easier for them to return to normal activities. This plan of care will allow a person to be in their home, but still have help with certain activities.

The person may need help with:

  • Wound care
  • Pain Control
  • Diet
  • Taking prescribed medicines (such as antibiotics)
  • Safe exercise

The surgeon will also order activities to prevent problems from occurring, such as:

  • Limiting activities that place strain on the surgical wound
  • Providing a list of signs and symptoms that you should report
  • Taking the person’s temperature regularly to watch for fever

Other Helpful CaringBoost Lessons

Many of these lessons offer you the information you need to care for a person after surgery.

For example, see our lessons on:

Infection Control

Feeding a Person

Giving Medicines Safely

Moving Safely in the Home

Recognizing and Relieving Pain

These lessons will review key points for helping you to provide care for a person after surgery.


Whether a person has had minor or major surgery, there will be limits placed on activities when he or she returns home.

Video: Care After Surgery.

related content:

Step-by-Step Instructions

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