Equipment and community services

Once you have your surgery and you return home you may require access to equipment or additional community services during your recovery. We recommend you arrange any supports prior to your surgery so that they are in place ready for your return home.

You may find that while you are recovering from your procedure that you will need access to equipment to reduce the risk of having any falls. You may also need to think about your home environment and whether you will be able to access any area if you are needing to use walking aids, shower chair etc. 

Spend some time thinking about "if I needed to use some equipment, would that be possible in my home?" These questions will help you get started:

• Do I have any steps or stairs that may limit access to important areas of my house?
• If I need to use a mobility aid (eg. 4WW, rollator frame) after surgery will it fit in my house? Do I need to move furniture/items to create a clear path?
• Will equipment such as a shower chair or toilet seat raiser fit in my bathroom?

Many basic items of equipment, for example pickup sticks, shower chairs, toilet seat raisers are also available for purchase or hire from hardware stores, chemists/pharmacies and online stores or marketplaces. 

Patients who live in country regions are also encouraged to arrange equipment that they will need on discharge through contacting their local healthcare provider before attending for surgery.

After surgery you may also need a little extra help with everyday activities such as cooking, cleaning and personal care. It's important to set up arrangements with family, friends or local community services before your surgery. Having these services up and running prior to surgery can help you safely and quickly return home after surgery.

You may be able to access extra help thought My Aged Care if you are aged:

• 50 years or older (45 years or older for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) and on a low income, homeless, or at risk of being homeless
• 65 years or older (50 years or older for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people).

It is best to contact them well in advance of surgery.

During your recovery you will take some time to regain your strength and independence. 

There are some specific resources below that will relate to different types of surgeries and potential restrictions that they may have  associated with them. Please review any resource that is specific to your procedure. 

If you are unsure, ask your health professional for guidance.