Helping a Loved One Recover at Home After Surgery

Hospital stays are shorter than ever. A senior who has just had a knee replacement, hip surgery, or cardiac procedure often goes home within 1–3 days — still groggy, in pain, and unsteady on their feet. The first 72 hours at home matter most.

Set Up the Home Before They Arrive

• Clear walking paths — remove rugs, cords, and clutter

• Place essentials within arm's reach: water, phone, glasses, remote

• Stock easy meals and snacks they can manage one-handed

• Install or rent equipment: shower chair, raised toilet seat, walker

Watch for Warning Signs

Call the surgeon or 911 for fever above 101°F, severe pain that medication isn't touching, swelling or redness around the incision, shortness of breath, or sudden confusion. Senior bodies recover slower, and small infections can escalate fast.

When to Bring in Professional Help

If your loved one lives alone, has dementia, or had a major surgery, professional in-home care during recovery is one of the best investments you can make. A trained caregiver helps with bathing, mobility, medication reminders, and meal prep — reducing the readmission risk that can extend or worsen recovery.

Bruma Senior Care provides post-surgery recovery care across DuPage, Kane, and Kendall counties — from a few hours during the day to 24/7 support during the critical first weeks. We can be in place before your loved one is discharged.