Spine Surgery: Healing Safely
Spine Surgery: Healing Safely
The following checklist is to prepare you and your home to make your recovery after surgery safe, comfortable, and easier.
SURGERY BUDDY:
• Plan to have a trusted family member or friend available to transport you to and from the hospital. Your Surgery Buddy should plan to stay with you in your home for the first 3-5 days following discharge for safety.
• You may need assistance with bandage changes, bathing, meals, and with household tasks.
CLEAN HABITS AT HOME PREVENT INFECTION:
• Wash your hands often, before meals, and after using the restroom. Use mild hand soap and scrub for at least 20 seconds or use hand sanitizer with at least 60 % alcohol content.
• Ask anyone living or visiting your home to also wash their hands to prevent the spread of germs.
• Shower daily with mild soap, dry with a clean towel, and place on clean clothing.
• Wipe down high-touch surfaces like counters, doorknobs, switches, phones, and remotes often.
• Make sure there are clean linens on the bed when you get home. Wash linens at least once a week or when soiled.
ENTRIES AND HALLWAYS:
• Ensure good lighting outside your entrance.
• Choose an entrance that minimizes stairs to navigate with your adaptive device.
• Consider adding a handrail.
• Remove throw rugs or use carpet tape along edges to reduce risk of tripping.
• Create wide, clear paths in high traffic areas( bedroom, bathroom, kitchen).
• Add night lights in hallways and bathrooms.
BATHROOMS:
• Reduce tripping hazards, remove throw rugs.
• Is the bathroom location on the same level as your bedroom? If not, consider staying on the same level as the bathroom for the first few days of your recovery or use a bedside / 3-in-1 commode.
• You may need to use a cane or crutches if the doorway to your bathroom is too narrow for your walker.
• Toilet seat height matters. The higher the surface, the easier it is to sit / stand from.
• Reduce fall risks by adding a non-skid mat in the shower / tub.
• Consider using a shower chair or tub transfer bench.
ADAPTIVE EQUIPMENT IDEAS:
• Install grab bars, if possible, excluding hand bars with suction cups. 1. Wall grab bars. 2. Tub grab bar to the side of the tub. 3. Universal floor to ceiling grab bar.
• Handheld shower head.
• Long-handled sponge, shoehorn, reacher, dressing stick, and sock aid.
• Raised toilet seat or 3-in-1 commode
Form Number: 100-577 Not Part of the Medical Record Revision Date: 10 / 2025