Page 7 - Richardson Shoulder Booklet

Before Your Surgery
The following checklists are guides to help you prepare for surgery and recovery. Careful prepara- tion improves the change of a complication-free recovery.
To complete before surgery
 Complete all lab work and clearances as requested from the surgeon’s of ce.
 Talk to surgeon’s staff about discharge options for home health and physical therapy.  Complete a Living Will or Health Care Power-of-Attorney to have on le in chart.
 Arrange for someone to drive you home when discharged from the hospital.
 Arrange for someone to drive you to your follow-up appointments.
To improve health before surgery and prevent infection
 Quit smoking to improve healing and reduce the risk of infection after surgery.
 Take a regular over the counter, daily multivitamin.
 Receive a u vaccination (if during u season: October through March).
 Eat nutritious foods before and after surgery.
To Prepare Your Home
Follow this checklist to help get your house/living quarters ready for your return home.
Make sure all walkways are free of clutter. Pick up all throw rugs and tack down any loose carpeting.
 Move furniture as needed to provide easy access to the bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen with a walker. You may need to ask someone to help you.
 Clean, do the laundry, and put it away. Put clean linens on your bed.
 Perform any yard work or arrange to have it done.
 Install a grab rod in the shower. Consider shower chair and other safety features.
 Set up for someone to collect your mail and take care of your pets or loved ones, if necessary.
 Remove electric/phone cords from walkways or tape them to the oor.
 Consider having nightlights in the bedroom, bathrooms, and hallways.
 Prepare meals ahead of time; freeze them in single-serving containers. Stock up on toiletries,
snacks and house supplies.
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PATIENT CHECKLISTS