Providing compassionate in-home and out-patient care in Plymouth, NH

How to Plan For Recovery at Home After Surgery

In this blog, Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health brings to light the services you can receive after surgery and how to be prepared before your surgery. There are a lot of things to think about when preparing for major surgery. What are the risks? Will you be in pain? Have you thought about what help you’ll need to recover? Will you be able to stay at home while you heal? Although every surgical recovery is different, the goals of home-based clinical care after surgery include patient and family involvement, shared decision-making, and flexibility around changes in plans to meet your needs.

Having home care services from Pemi-Baker can help you recover more quickly, keep you safe at home, and just as importantly, help you avoid another hospital stay.

Planning ahead for care

Although it’s not always possible to schedule your surgery in advance, you should understand beforehand how long your recovery may take, what you will and will not be able to do, and what help you will need while you are home.

Speaking to your doctor or your hospital discharge planner about home health care services prior to surgery will help you prepare for when you go home again. If your surgery is the result of an emergency situation, a family member or other caregiver could arrange for services on your behalf.

Additionally, since outpatient (day) surgery has become a much more common option, many people find themselves recovering from surgery at home the same day as their procedure. Some are unprepared to effectively manage their pain and discomfort, making it difficult for them to perform even routine tasks or basic personal care. They may be weak and tired. Managing multiple medications can be confusing and properly caring for the incision site can be challenging. The trusted, compassionate staff at Pemi-Baker will help.

How home health care helps your recovery

Home health care is personalized to fit your needs, based on your physician’s instructions and your own personal preferences. Depending on the complexity of the surgery, you may receive a single type of care or a combination of services. Nurses can provide services including wound care and medication management, while home health aides can provide assistance with personal care including bathing, dressing, and light housekeeping. Physical and occupational therapists, speech language pathologists, and social workers also play an important role in the recovery process. With orders from your doctor and input from you about your needs, the Pemi-Baker team will design a plan of care to reach your goals and help you recover.

What you can do ahead of the surgery

You can make your recovery at home go a lot smoother if you take a little time to plan ahead. Ask your doctor what you won’t be able to do at first while you’re healing up, and get help from friends and family to prepare your living space. You need to be careful about falling after an operation. “People get dizzy because they haven’t eaten for a few days and from being in bed,” says Jenn Stewart, RN, Clinical Supervisor. “You may need to get a walker or crutches to cut down your risk of a fall. Other tips to avoid stumbling would be using night lights in hallways, sleeping in a bedroom near a bathroom, wearing flat shoes or slippers and reducing the clutter in your home” said Stewart.

  • Do I need to make changes to my house? This depends on what kind of operation you have. If it’s a complicated one, like a joint replacement or stomach surgery, you may need to tweak a few things in the bathroom or bedroom for easier access.
  • Stairs: If you can’t climb up and down them after your surgery, you might have to make some changes. For instance, if your bedroom is upstairs, you may need to sleep on a lower floor for a while. Ask your friends or family to move your bed before you go into the hospital, or check into renting a hospital bed if you need it.
  • Equipment: After some types of surgery, you’ll need to get special gear at home. Plan ahead if your doctor tells you that you need oxygen tanks, elevated toilets, shower seats, supplies to care for your cut, or other items. Get in touch with your insurance company to see if they’re part of your coverage.
  • Stock your pantry: Ask your doctor if you have to stick to a certain diet. Make sure you’re well supplied with the right food before you get back home. Since you may feel tired during your recovery, prepare some meals before your operation and put them in the freezer.

There are many things you and your family can do to prepare for your surgery and give you the best possible recovery. Make arrangements in advance if your surgeon suggests getting a nurse, physical therapist, or health aide. Make sure you schedule the first visit before you leave the hospital. Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health can see you in less than 24 hours of arriving home.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health is a trusted, nonprofit agency proudly serving 29 towns in central and northern NH since 1967. Expert services include at-home healthcare and physical therapies (VNA), hospice and palliative care, and community programs including: American Red Cross CPR/AED/FA, Caregiver and Bereavement Support Groups and Ask A Pemi-Baker Nurse days at your local senior centers. Providing compassionate care with experienced staff who are trained, certified professionals and also your neighbors.  In your time of need, we’re right where you need us.

Pemi-Baker is located at 101 Boulder Point Drive, Suite 3, Plymouth, NH. To contact us please call: 603-536-2232 or email: info@pbhha.org  Like our Facebook Page: @pemibakerhospicehomehealth

~Written by Anna Swanson

Hospice care with Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, Plymouth, NH

“I would give your hospice team 10 stars if I could!”

They were truly amazing. We called on a Sunday, and they sent someone out that very afternoon to begin care and stayed by our side as Mom's health declined. We are especially grateful for Alexa, who went above and beyond to attend to our mom's needs and support us as caregivers. She was exceptionally knowledgeable, compassionate and simply an incredible human to be around. We couldn't have done this without her and will be forever grateful for her care. We also want to acknowledge Gretchen and Dr. Saunders, who guided us through some very challenging moments and took the time to truly listen, support us and answer all of our questions. I cant' say enough about our experience with hospice. We are deeply grateful for their care, compassion and support during this time.

Liz L.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
5
2019-11-07T12:26:12-05:00

Liz L.

Hospice care with Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health, Plymouth, NH
They were truly amazing. We called on a Sunday, and they sent someone out that very afternoon to begin care and stayed by our side as Mom's health declined. We are especially grateful for Alexa, who went above and beyond to attend to our mom's needs and support us as caregivers. She was exceptionally knowledgeable, compassionate and simply an incredible human to be around. We couldn't have done this without her and will be forever grateful for her care. We also want to acknowledge Gretchen and Dr. Saunders, who guided us through some very challenging moments and took the time to truly listen, support us and answer all of our questions. I cant' say enough about our experience with hospice. We are deeply grateful for their care, compassion and support during this time.
Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health home visit

“Triple bypass and still going strong!”

I was a mess after having a triple bypass BUT the people at Pemi-Baker helped me so much. Each one were kind, caring, helpful and very sincere with their care. I am so grateful for this service. I did have family members that helped me through this time, but I really needed the love and care that the people at Pemi-Baker gave me. I miss them but am well and in Cardiac Rehab now. Thank you all!!!!

Barbi S.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
5
2026-01-21T08:52:19-05:00

Barbi S.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health home visit
I was a mess after having a triple bypass BUT the people at Pemi-Baker helped me so much. Each one were kind, caring, helpful and very sincere with their care. I am so grateful for this service. I did have family members that helped me through this time, but I really needed the love and care that the people at Pemi-Baker gave me. I miss them but am well and in Cardiac Rehab now. Thank you all!!!!
Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health Physical Therapist in the home

The Physical therapists were amazing!

The physical therapists who visited after my total knee replacement were amazing! The communication was excellent. They phoned in advance to confirm their arrival times. Each PT provider was professional, supportive, and guided me through the appropriate exercises necessary in order for me to be ready to leave my house and continue with physical therapy outside the home. I am very grateful.

Karen M.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
5
2026-01-21T08:04:41-05:00

Karen M.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health Physical Therapist in the home
The physical therapists who visited after my total knee replacement were amazing! The communication was excellent. They phoned in advance to confirm their arrival times. Each PT provider was professional, supportive, and guided me through the appropriate exercises necessary in order for me to be ready to leave my house and continue with physical therapy outside the home. I am very grateful.

“Your generosity with your time and your loving care is appreciated more than you know.”

Thank you to everyone who played a role in taking care of my mother and giving her the freedom of remaining home while suffering from dementia. Your generosity with your time and your loving care is appreciated more than you know. A special thanks goes to Macayla and Colleen, who visited her on a regular basis, and to Lauren who was helpful in connecting us with state services.

Terry W.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
2020-01-17T12:43:19-05:00

Terry W.

Thank you to everyone who played a role in taking care of my mother and giving her the freedom of remaining home while suffering from dementia. Your generosity with your time and your loving care is appreciated more than you know. A special thanks goes to Macayla and Colleen, who visited her on a regular basis, and to Lauren who was helpful in connecting us with state services.
Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health physical therapy

“Everyone is so helpful, supportive and kind!”

I had two hip replacements within 10 months and the VA referred me to Pemi-Baker for rehab in my home. They were all amazing! I had PTs and OTs help me exercise and strengthen my hips and legs quickly. They also helped me to acquire the equipment such as canes, leg lifters, sock helpers, and walkers to fit each stage of my healing. Call them they will help you!

Linda M.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
5
2026-01-21T08:18:35-05:00

Linda M.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health physical therapy
I had two hip replacements within 10 months and the VA referred me to Pemi-Baker for rehab in my home. They were all amazing! I had PTs and OTs help me exercise and strengthen my hips and legs quickly. They also helped me to acquire the equipment such as canes, leg lifters, sock helpers, and walkers to fit each stage of my healing. Call them they will help you!

“Kind, professional, competent services every step of the way”

Our primary nurse, Fred, was outstanding, and others who filled in were wonderful and a credit to your organization. Fred, you were amazing, not only for mom but for my husband and I as well. I will forever be grateful for your support, wisdom, humor and kindness, all along the end of life journey for mom. I am so deeply thankful that circumstances conspired such that mom was able to die at home, and your role made that time as seamless as it could be made.

Paula W.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
5
2020-01-17T12:31:13-05:00

Paula W.

Our primary nurse, Fred, was outstanding, and others who filled in were wonderful and a credit to your organization. Fred, you were amazing, not only for mom but for my husband and I as well. I will forever be grateful for your support, wisdom, humor and kindness, all along the end of life journey for mom. I am so deeply thankful that circumstances conspired such that mom was able to die at home, and your role made that time as seamless as it could be made.

The Rewards of Being a Hospice Volunteer

While I was familiar with Hospice for many years, I only have been a hospice volunteer with Pemi Baker Hospice and Home Health (PBHHH) since October 2021.  When I retired, I began searching for volunteer work that would allow me to give back to my community.  A newsletter from PBHHH arrived in my email announcing training for hospice volunteers.  My family had experienced the need for hospice twice, once in Ohio and again in Florida.  The relief my family and I felt when the hospice volunteers arrived was beyond measure.  I want to bring the same kind of assistance to others.  PBHHH given me that opportunity by providing professional training with knowledgeable nurses, doctors, social workers and other health care professionals.  Their guidance has enabled me to meet the challenges of being s hospice volunteer, and I am very glad that I did it.

Connie C.

Pemi-Baker Hospice & Home Health
5
2022-06-27T12:20:25-04:00

Connie C.

While I was familiar with Hospice for many years, I only have been a hospice volunteer with Pemi Baker Hospice and Home Health (PBHHH) since October 2021.  When I retired, I began searching for volunteer work that would allow me to give back to my community.  A newsletter from PBHHH arrived in my email announcing training for hospice volunteers.  My family had experienced the need for hospice twice, once in Ohio and again in Florida.  The relief my family and I felt when the hospice volunteers arrived was beyond measure.  I want to bring the same kind of assistance to others.  PBHHH given me that opportunity by providing professional training with knowledgeable nurses, doctors, social workers and other health care professionals.  Their guidance has enabled me to meet the challenges of being s hospice volunteer, and I am very glad that I did it.
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