Photo of a hand holding a pen writing a post operative checklist in a small notebook

Post operative checklist

This checklist provides information on finding post-op care, getting assessed and what to look for when checking out post-op care facilities.


STEP 1: Consult with hospital staff

Talk to the attending doctor or social worker and ask what type of care is needed?

▢ does a nurse need to be present to treat a wound, administer medication?

▢ do you need specialised rehabilitative care?

▢ is temporary or long term care needed?


STEP 2: Decide your post-op care options

Would you like to receive post-op care:

▢ in your own home

▢ in care accommodation


STEP 3: Find a care option

▢ create a care summary on the DailyCare website

▢ tell us what you’re looking for

▢ be matched with a list of options, public and private

▢ get assessed for government-subsidised options


STEP 4: Get assessed

To receive government-funded dementia care services you will need to

▢ Start by contacting My Aged Care (Federal Government) to discuss your situation and find out if you will need to contact an Assessment Team.

▢ book a visit from an aged care assessment team if required

▢ discuss your needs with the assessment team

▢ Review your caresummary to make sure it includes post-op care options along with any other care needs recommended by the aged care assessment team


STEP 5: Locate post-op care options

In your care summary, you can choose from:

▢ home and community care options to help with low-level post-op care

▢ nursing home and assisted living care for higher-level post-op care


ADDITIONAL STEPS

STEP 5: For home carers

If you or a loved one have decided to become a full-time post-op carer, first determine:

▢ can you adequately look after the post-op requirements of a loved one?

▢ are you qualified to perform some of the tasks required?

▢ are you physically up for the job, can you handle the manual tasks?

▢ do you have the time and finances to look properly after your loved one?

▢ will your loved one recover faster in your care?

If you have answered ‘yes’ to all of these then also:

▢ check out our section on home & community care and respite care

▢ consult with Centrelink on carer payment options that may also be available


STEP 6: Checking out a post-op facility

Things to look out for when choosing a post-op facility, include:

▢ do they specialise in post-op care?

▢ how many medical staff are on hand?

▢ is the post-op bed or room comfortable and appropriately set up?

▢ do they have a comprehensive plan for your recovery?

▢ do they provide regular rehabilitation services?

▢ do they provide a regular, nutritious and appropriate food menu?

▢ can your family and friends visit at certain times?

▢ will they help organise additional care if needed when you go home?

▢ what are the out-of-pocket costs?