06 July 2020
If you’re having an operation in the coming months you may be starting to prepare for your recovery period and the items you need at home to support you and keep you busy.
As elective surgeries are due to restart in July, the NHS is planning how and when they can bring some routine operations safely back into hospitals in the UK. We have put together some top tips and must have products to help you plan for your recovery period, so you can stay occupied and well during your recuperation.
Your mobility is one of the most important things to consider after an operation as it can determine how independent you are at home. After your operation you may be prescribed equipment from the NHS to support you during your recovery period. However, if you are looking for something extra to help you stay comfortable and independent at home, you may consider investing in some equipment of your own. For example, if you are a little unbalanced you may consider getting a walking aid, such as a walking frame that can offer you stability when walking around at home, help you to carry items between rooms and reduce the risk of a fall or injury. For some people, a mobility aid may be able to support them further in the long term too.
Everyone’s recovery period will differ, depending on the operation they have had and their own wellbeing, but it’s always good to prepare some activities that you can do in bed or a chair at home, no matter how long you need to recover. There may be a TV series you’ve wanted to watch or book you’ve wanted to read, that could help start off a list of things you want to do after your operation. If you are doing any crafts or reading more, you may consider the benefits of a high vision lamp to help you see more clearly and reduce the risk of eye strain.
It may be a good time to get to grips with more technology, such as a tablet, so you can enjoy video calls with more friends and family who may not be able to visit you, and revisit old memories with photos books and videotapes. An overbed table can offer invaluable support after an operation as it allows you to enjoy meals or hobbies comfortably from your bed or a chair and is an ideal surface to support a laptop or tablet .
After an operation or injury, we all want to be able to stay comfortable and look after ourselves at home. With our range of bathing and dressing aids, we can help you to make the day to day easier and look after yourself when you need it most.
Depending on the type of dressing you have after your operation, you may soon be able to bathe or have a shower. If you’re still feeling a bit fatigued or unsteady on your feet, either when standing in the shower or when getting out of the bath you might consider a bathing aid, such as a shower stool, or a bath lift if you are looking for something that you can benefit from in the long-term too. Finding the right products to use in the bathroom is especially important due to slippery surfaces and excess water, and can promote your independence as well as your safety. In some instances, you may need to avoid getting your dressing or stitches wet and you may not be able to shower or bathe as normal for a while. Wet or dry wipes can be of assistance and help you to clean different areas of the body without the risk of getting water on a cast or stitching.
If you are finding it difficult to bend down or twist certain areas of the body, you may benefit from the use of a dressing aid. For example, a sock aid can be used to lower socks or tights to your feet without the need to bend far, and can help to reduce pain and discomfort that you may feel when reaching down as well as supporting your independence in your morning routine.
We all want to support ourselves as best as we can, however, it’s important to know when you need some assistance to avoid overexerting yourself during your recovery. You may think about organising some support from a family member, or someone you are in support bubble with, to make daily tasks, such as doing your washing or making meals, easier for you. Make sure to plan ahead and find time that works for you and for others.
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