Getting ready for surgery? A little preparation now can make for a smoother recovery later. Take time to get organized, line up support and think through your needs so you can feel positive and focus on healing. Here’s how to prepare.

1. Plan for meals and transportation

Before your surgery, think about what you’ll need once you get home. You may not be able to cook or drive right away, so plan ahead:

Meal services: Stock up on easy, healthy meals or set up a meal delivery plan. Or ask friends or family if they can bring food for a few days while you recover.

Transportation: You may need someone to drive you to and from the hospital or surgery center. Make sure you arrange this ahead of time. You may also need help getting to follow-up appointments.

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2. Safety proof your home

Your home should be a safe place to recover. Before surgery, take a walk through your home and look for anything that could cause a fall or injury.

• Clear walkways of cords, shoes or clutter.
• Remove loose rugs or secure them to avoid slipping.
• Make sure there’s enough light in hallways and bathrooms.
• Keep the items you use most — like dishes, clothes or medicines — within easy reach.
• If you’ll need to use crutches or a walker, make extra space to move around safely.
• Have a sturdy chair available to sit and rest.
• Put non‑slip mats in the bathroom or shower.
• Make sure handrails are secure on stairs.

Taking these steps can help lower your risk of falls and make recovery easier and safer.

Even better: You’re covered for a Healthy Home Visit (HHV) where a licensed provider through Signify Health will come to your home or see you virtually (online). They can discuss any health concerns and complete a fall risk assessment. The HHV is included with your plan at no added cost.

3. Ease your worries

It’s normal to feel nervous before surgery. But talking about your concerns with your provider, a loved one or a counselor can help. Your plan covers both individual and group counseling sessions. You can find an in-network professional by visiting AllinaHealthAetnaMedicare.com/FindProvider. You can also try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or gentle stretching to calm your mind.

More help paying for essentials

BenefitsCheckUp® is a comprehensive online tool that connects older adults and people with disabilities to benefits assistance for things like housing, transportation and more. The tool helps make it easy to see if you qualify. And it can connect you with a benefits counselor for assistance applying online. Call BenefitsCheckUp at 1-800-794-6559 (TTY: 711), Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 7 PM ET. Or visit AllinaHealthAetnaMedicare.BenefitsCheckUp.org to learn more. 

Wellness tips for before, during and after surgery

Before surgery: Get ready at home. Taking a little time to prepare can help your surgery and recovery go more smoothly.

Before the big day

• Follow all instructions from your doctor
• Ask which medications to take — or stop taking — before surgery
• Ask a friend or family member to help after surgery if needed

The night before

• Follow instructions about eating and drinking
• Take a shower or bath if your doctor recommends it
• Get a good night’s sleep

Day of surgery: Bring your ID, insurance card, and a list of your medications, vitamins and supplements. Remember items like glasses, hearing aids or a phone charger.

After surgery: Take care of yourself as you recover. These steps can help you heal safely and comfortably.

Daily care

• Follow your doctor’s instructions
• Take medications exactly as prescribed
• Drink plenty of water unless your provider says otherwise
• Eat light, healthy meals to help your body heal
• Get plenty of rest

Moving around safely

• Move slowly when standing up or sitting down
• Use a walker, cane or handrails if needed
• Keep walkways clear of clutter
• Wear non-slip shoes or socks

Wound and health check

• Keep the surgery area clean and dry
• Watch for redness, swelling or drainage
• Call your doctor if you have a fever, worsening pain or signs of infection

Support and follow-up

• Keep follow-up appointments with your doctor
• Ask for help with chores or errands, if needed
• Contact your care team if you have questions or concerns

Recovery takes time. Take it one day at a time — and don’t hesitate to ask for help.

See Evidence of Coverage for a complete description of plan benefits, exclusions, limitations and conditions of coverage. Plan features and availability may vary by service area. This material is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Health information programs provide general health information and are not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a physician or other health care professional. Contact a health care professional with any questions or concerns about specific health care needs. Providers are independent contractors and are not agents of Allina Health | Aetna. Provider participation may change without notice. Allina Health Aetna is not a provider of health care services and, therefore, cannot guarantee any results or outcomes. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed and is subject to change. Information is believed to be accurate as of the production date; however, it is subject to change. For more information about Allina Health | Aetna plans, refer to our website. Participating health care providers are independent contractors and are neither agents nor employees of Allina Health | Aetna. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed, and provider network composition is subject to change. 

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