After undergoing successful back surgery at Bon Secours Mary Immaculate Hospital, I received in-home care, orientation and instruction on the appropriate post-surgical activities of patients. The six week program was conducted by Personal Touch Home Care personnel, a Registered Nurse and Specialist, who counseled me on capabilities and limitations of post-surgical patients and cautions they should observe to ensure their safe recovery.
The six, one-hour sessions were provided by the RN, who additionally changed my surgical dressing, monitored my health and needs for medical prescriptions. This was augmented by the Specialist who provided safety and cautionary instruction. At first, I was a bit reluctant to receive the orientation, but was later convinced that there are significant benefits derived from the program concerning patient awareness during the post-surgery and recovery phase.
The orientation enabled me to recognize many of the dangers present when performing physical activities during my recovery. They helped me to evaluate my home for home obstructions when walking with a walker, which could easily lead to a collision with an object or worse, to a fall. They taught me how to climb stairs, how to get in and out of bed and how to do other physical endeavors.
I now believe that a post-surgical home care program is essential for the quick and safe recovery of a patient.
Salvador Rodriguez
