​5 Ways To Prepare Your Home For Your Post-Surgery Recovery

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One of the sweetest, most relaxing places to be is home. It’s where you recharge, reconnect with family, and heal. That’s what makes home one of the best places to recover from life’s challenges, which can include everything from general illnesses to upcoming surgeries.

Although these types of situations aren’t the way we would like to enjoy our time at home, it’s relieving to have a safe and comfortable environment for the recovery. If you are preparing to undergo an operation, consider making the most of your post-surgery time. Make your home a clean and cozy place to assist you in your full recovery, by using these five tips:

1. Cleaning

Your home should be a cleanly, comfortable place to facilitate your recovery. Resting in a clean space also helps you prevent unwanted bacteria near the healing incision. To create a refreshing space, try to deep clean the house just before the surgery. Thoroughly clean your bathrooms, wash your sheets, dust, vacuum, mop, and clear the sink of dirty dishes. You will feel much more peaceful when you can come home to a clean environment.

For the post-surgery stage, you may want to consider hiring a cleaning service to freshen up your living space. This way you can let your body rest while still enjoying a healthy environment that is conducive to your healing. But, if you are physically willing and able to handle light cleaning on your own during the post-surgery stage, make sure you are well stocked with the right cleaning supplies.

2. Decluttering

Take a glance around your main living spaces and your bedroom. Is there anything that you do not regularly use that could be removed to create a more open space? Try rearranging the furniture to make open pathways between the rooms you will need to travel through. If you will be using medical equipment to assist with mobility, consider the size of the equipment and create a walkway using those parameters.

Also take some time to review your pantry, refrigerator, and freezer. Make sure you throw out items with upcoming expiration dates. Tossing them before the surgery helps you avoid any accidental food-related illnesses. You may also need that extra space for any recovery meals provided by friends or family members.

3. Filling The Pantry

Once you’ve removed older or unwanted items from the pantry, go ahead and restock it with fresh and new items. Healthy foods are always good for a recovering physical body. Consider purchasing items that are individually wrapped so that they are light and easier to carry. Also, stock the freezer with pre-made meals for easier access. Compact meals and snacks will not only help you avoid cooking during your recovery, but will also help you avoid messes in a sparkling clean kitchen.

4. “Sprucing” Up The Environment

Before the surgery, purchase a few in indoor plants, like Aloe or a Jade Plant. You can also prepare a spot in your home for any of the plants gifted to you during the hospital stay. Some studies have shown that indoor plants might contribute to a faster recovery time and better air quality. They also provide a welcoming atmosphere and a nice green touch to your living space. Just make sure you research how to care for your plant before the surgery, and leave instructions for anyone who might be helping you during your recovery.

5. Changing The Lighting

Open the windows and let the natural light stream in, because it can actually positively affect your mood. Conversely, harsh lighting can induce symptoms like migraines. You may also want to install dimmable lighting or a fixture that has a remote switch, so that you don’t have to continuously move to adjust the lighting.

The upcoming surgery is meant to improve your well being, so why should your home not also help to facilitate to those improvements? Your home is one of the most important assets you having during your recovery. The more tasks you can accomplish before the surgery, the less you will have to worry about during the post-surgery stage.