How to prep for surgery

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.

Get care from the comfort of home

Your Aetna® Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans include a yearly in-home or virtual visit from a licensed clinician. They’ll help you find and prevent health conditions and address your overall health needs — all from the comfort of your home.

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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 AetnaMedicare.com/FindProvider. You can also try relaxation techniques like deep breathing or gentle stretching to calm your mind.

Your plan includes a meal benefit that provides delivery of nutritious meals to you after a qualifying inpatient hospital, inpatient psychiatric hospital or skilled nursing facility stay — at no added cost. Each meal is fresh, never frozen and made with high-quality ingredients. The meals can provide the nutrition needed to help support your recovery and overall health and well-being. Simply heat your refrigerated meals in your microwave or oven according to the included instructions. Eligible members will be contacted.

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 Aetna. Provider participation may change without notice. 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 Aetna plans, refer to our website. Participating health care providers are independent contractors and are neither agents nor employees of Aetna. The availability of any particular provider cannot be guaranteed, and provider network composition is subject to change. Aetna and Signify Health are part of the CVS Health© family of companies.