Undergoing surgery is only the first step in the healing process, and the actions you take in the days, weeks, and months after surgery often determine how smoothly and successfully you recover. For patients in Denver, CO, post acute care plays a critical role in helping surgery patients regain strength, prevent complications, and return home safely.
If you or a loved one is preparing for surgery, understanding the next steps helps you plan ahead of time and reduces any post-surgery stress you may feel
Step 1: Hospital Discharge Planning
Before leaving the hospital, your care team will evaluate your recovery needs. Some patients can return home immediately, but it’s common for patients to require additional rehabilitation and medical monitoring. This is especially true after orthopedic procedures, cardiac surgeries, major abdominal operations, or prolonged hospital stays.
Hospital case managers often recommend a skilled nursing facility for short-term rehabilitation if:
- You need daily physical, occupational, or speech therapy
- You require skilled nursing care, such as wound management or IV therapy
- You are not yet safe to move independently at home
- You need help managing medications
Choosing the right post acute care provider in Denver can significantly impact your recovery timeline.
Step 2: Transition to Post Acute Care
A quality post acute care facility bridges the gap between hospital and home. At Westwood Post Acute, patients receive individualized care plans tailored to their surgical recovery needs.
Upon admission, an interdisciplinary team evaluates your mobility, strength, pain levels, and overall health. From there, they develop a structured rehabilitation plan designed to restore independence as efficiently and safely as possible.
Step 3: Rehabilitation and Skilled Nursing Support
After surgery, consistent therapy is essential. Westwood Post Acute offers comprehensive rehabilitation services, including physical therapy to rebuild strength and balance, occupational therapy to support daily living skills, and speech and music therapy when needed.
In addition to therapy, 24-hour skilled nursing care ensures:
- Proper wound healing
- Pain management
- Medication oversight
- Monitoring for post-surgical complications
- Coordination with physicians
This level of oversight reduces the risk of hospital readmission and promotes a smoother recovery.
Step 4: Preparing for a Safe Return Home
The ultimate goal of post acute care is helping patients return home stronger and more confident. Throughout your stay, the team at Westwood Post Acute works on discharge planning from day one.
This includes:
- Practicing safe transfers and mobility
- Rebuilding endurance
- Educating patients and families
- Coordinating home health services if needed
By the time you’re ready to go home, you’ll be better equipped to manage daily life safely.
Why Post Acute Care Matters in Denver, CO
Denver’s active lifestyle makes full recovery especially important. Personal goals can vary greatly, from being able to walk comfortably through your neighborhood, returning to hobbies, or simply moving around your home safely and comfortably. Whgatever the goal, our post-surgical rehabilitation program provides the structured support necessary to get there.
Westwood Post Acute is dedicated to delivering compassionate and clinically excellent post acute care in Denver. With an experienced nursing staff, comprehensive rehabilitation services, and a patient-centered approach, Westwood helps people move from surgery to strength with confidence.