Going home after surgery is a milestone — but it also requires preparation. Whether you're recovering from a hip replacement, knee surgery, abdominal procedure, or cardiac surgery, having the right supplies and home setup in place before you arrive home can make the difference between a smooth recovery and a preventable setback.

This checklist is designed for patients and caregivers in the Miami and Coral Gables area preparing for post-surgical home recovery.

Important: Always follow your surgeon's and discharge nurse's specific instructions. This checklist is a general guide — your medical team's recommendations take priority.

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Before You Leave the Hospital

Confirm Your Discharge Plan

• Understand your weight-bearing restrictions (if applicable)
• Know your wound care instructions — how to clean, dress, and monitor the wound
• Have your prescription medications filled (or arrange for same-day pickup)
• Confirm any follow-up appointments
• Know the warning signs that require a call to your doctor or a return to the ER

Arrange Transportation

• Arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home (you cannot drive after anesthesia)
• If you'll be using a wheelchair or walker, confirm the vehicle can accommodate it
• For patients with limited mobility, consider a medical transport service

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Home Modifications

Bathroom Safety (High Priority)

The bathroom is the most common location for post-surgical falls. Address these before you come home:

• Grab bars — installed near the toilet and in the shower/tub. Tension-mounted bars are a quick option; permanently mounted bars are safer for long-term use
• Raised toilet seat — reduces the depth you need to lower yourself, critical after hip or knee surgery
• Shower chair or bench — allows you to bathe seated, reducing fall risk and fatigue
• Non-slip bath mat — inside the tub/shower and on the bathroom floor
• Handheld shower head — makes bathing seated much easier

Bedroom Setup

• Bed at the right height — you should be able to sit on the edge with feet flat on the floor
• Hospital bed or bed rail if needed (available for rent or purchase)
• Bedside table within reach for medications, water, phone
• Clear path from bed to bathroom — remove rugs, cords, and obstacles

General Home Safety

• Remove throw rugs throughout the home (major fall hazard)
• Ensure adequate lighting in hallways and stairways
• Move frequently used items to accessible heights — avoid reaching overhead or bending low
• If stairs are unavoidable, confirm you can navigate them safely with your mobility aid

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Medical Supplies Checklist

Wound Care

Your surgeon will specify what you need, but common items include:

• Gauze pads — sterile, appropriate size for your wound
• Non-stick wound dressings — for wounds that require dressing changes
• Medical tape — to secure dressings
• Wound cleanser — saline solution or as directed by your surgeon
• Gloves — for caregiver wound care
• Waterproof dressings — if you'll be showering with the wound

Mobility Aids

Depending on your procedure and restrictions:

• Walker or rollator — for patients with weight-bearing restrictions or balance concerns
• Crutches — for lower extremity procedures with partial weight-bearing
• Wheelchair — for patients who cannot bear weight at all (rental is often the right choice for short-term recovery)
• Cane — for later stages of recovery when you need minimal support
• Reacher/grabber tool — to pick up items without bending (essential after hip surgery)
• Sock aid — helps put on socks without bending (critical after hip replacement)
• Long-handled shoe horn — same purpose

Incontinence and Hygiene

Some surgeries or medications temporarily affect bladder control:

• Incontinence briefs or protective underwear — if needed
• Underpads — for bed and chair protection
• Skin barrier cream — to protect skin from moisture

Comfort and Recovery

• Ice packs or gel packs — for swelling management (confirm with your surgeon)
• Compression stockings — often prescribed after surgery to prevent blood clots; confirm the correct compression level with your doctor
• Pill organizer — to manage multiple medications on a schedule
• Bed wedge or positioning pillow — for elevating a limb or supporting positioning

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Caregiver Preparation

If you have a caregiver helping with your recovery:

• Review wound care instructions together before discharge
• Practice using mobility aids together before the patient comes home
• Know the medication schedule and potential side effects
• Have emergency contacts readily available — surgeon's office, primary care, and nearest ER
• Plan meals in advance — cooking may be difficult in the first days

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South Florida-Specific Considerations

Heat and Humidity

South Florida's climate adds some unique recovery considerations:

• Stay hydrated — heat increases fluid loss, and many post-surgical patients are already at risk for dehydration
• Wound care in humidity — wounds may need more frequent dressing changes in humid conditions; watch for signs of infection (increased redness, warmth, swelling, or discharge)
• Air conditioning — ensure your home is adequately cooled; overheating can increase swelling and discomfort

Hurricane Season

If your surgery falls during hurricane season (June–November), plan ahead:

• Have a 7-day supply of medications and medical supplies on hand
• Know your evacuation plan if you have limited mobility
• Ensure power-dependent equipment (CPAP, nebulizer) has a backup plan

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Where to Get Your Supplies in Coral Gables

Many patients are discharged from Baptist Health, Coral Gables Hospital, or other Miami-Dade facilities and need supplies immediately. JME Home Medical Equipment is located at 1823 Ponce de Leon Blvd in Coral Gables — a short drive from most Miami-Dade hospitals.

We carry everything on this checklist: wound care supplies, mobility aids, bathroom safety equipment, incontinence products, compression stockings, and more. We also offer wheelchair rentals for short-term recovery.

Call ahead if you need something specific and we'll confirm availability: (305) 529-9976

Store Hours: Monday – Friday, 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM

Browse our full catalog online — or contact us with questions.