Planning for Your Return Home

It is important to begin planning for your return home before your surgical procedure. Find out from family and friends how they will be able to assist you. Arrange for transportation home from the Hospital. After your surgery, a team composed of a nurse case manager and social worker will continue to work with you, your surgeon and other members of the health care team to assist in planning for your discharge.

Goals to achieve prior to returning home include:

• Getting in and out of bed safely by yourself.
• Walking 100 to 150 feet with your crutches or a walker.
• Walking up and down stairs with crutches if you have stairs.
• Completing self-care tasks (dressing, bathing, toileting, simple meal preparation) independently or with minimal assistance of another. 

The rehabilitation staff will help you plan for any equipment you may need at home.

Home Safety Checklist

The Occupational Therapy Department has compiled the checklist below to help you prepare your home for your recovery. We encourage you to review this list with family and friends and make any needed changes BEFORE your surgery. These recommendations can help you safely manage at home during your recovery period.

• Remove all loose rugs and electrical cords from areas where you walk in your home, as they can easily become caught under walkers/crutches.
• Make sure carpet edges are tacked down to reduce potential falls.
• Be sure all walking areas are free of clutter. 
• Place needed items in the bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and living areas within easy reach (not too high, and not too low).
• Keep a cordless phone or cell phone with you during the day. 
• Place rubber mats or non-slip decals in the tub/shower.
• A hand-held showerhead can be helpful when sitting on a tub seat to shower.
• Put nightlights in your bathroom and n the hallway leading from your bedroom to bathroom.
• Ensure that stair handrails are securely fastened and extend the full length of the stairs.
• Be sure that outdoor walkways, steps and porches are free of rocks, loose boards and other tripping hazards.

Feel free to contact the Occupational Therapy Department at 617-243-6172 if you have questions about these recommendations.

More Info on Leaving the Hospital

To learn more about spine surgery or make an appointment, please contact the Spine Center at 617-243-5777.