Helping a loved one recover from surgery with an after care package is a wonderful thing to do and here's everything you need to include.
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According to the American College of Surgeons an estimated 15 million people undergo some kind of surgery every year in the United States.
So there's a high chance that someone you know will be facing surgery at some point in their lives.
And when that happens what better way to be there for them than to put together an after surgery care package.
As by doing this you have free license to fill it with all the things they'll need to heal up and make a speedy recovery.
And for inspiration of what you can include I've listed out all the things here that someone recovering from surgery might want and need.
What To Include In Your After Surgery Care Package
The good thing about putting together your own after surgery care package for a friend is that you can personalise it for their specific needs.
So I've listed all the things that people recovering from surgery might appreciate and find useful below.
Just pick out a few things that you think they'd like and package them together to create a gift that they will adore and love you for getting them.
You can also check out this post for a full list of after surgery gift ideas.
Comfortable Loungewear To Relax And Recover In
As your loved one recovers from surgery they will likely have to spend a lot of time recuperating at home.
So a really good addition to any after surgery care package is to include some comfortable loungewear to make them feel good.
And this can be anything they like to wear at home such as robes, pajamas, sweatpants, hoodies, onesies, slippers or shorts.
Pillows To Make Them More Comfortable
Depending on which kind of surgery they've had your loved one may have to sit or lay down in certain positions as they recover.
So getting them some supportive pillows or cushions is a top idea and something they'll definitely use a lot.
And you have a few options here from head pillows to wedge pillows, elevation pillows and entire sets.
A Weighted Blanket To Calm Them
Going through surgery can be an extremely anxious and worrying time for anyone.
So adding a weighted blanket to your after surgery care package is a really nice idea.
As the pressure from the weight of these blankets has an extremely soothing and calming effect on most people.
With the Baloo weighted blanket being a high quality choice.
Click here for more gift ideas that can soothe someones anxiety.
A Blackout Sleep Mask To Aid Healing Slumber
One of the keys to healing and recovery after surgery is to make sure you get a good night's sleep on a regular basis.
So adding in a blackout sleep mask such as the Manta sleep mask Pro will do wonders for helping them to sleep through the night.
As wearing one of these masks will give them the total darkness they need to reach sleep nirvana.
A Fruit And Vegetable Basket To Build Their Strength
As well as getting a good night's sleep, people recovering from surgery also need to eat healthily to build up their strength again.
So add in some fresh fruit and vegetables to your after surgery care package so they can look after themselves.
And this is especially important to do in the early days after surgery when they might not have the mobility to be able to get down to the shops themselves.
Chocolates And Treats To Lift Their Spirits
While eating healthily in the main is super importantr they also deserve a few treats along the way too.
So you should add in some of their favourite chocolates, sweets, muffins, cookies, and cakes too.
As this will lift their spirits at a time when they will be feeling low and drained.
With one idea here being the Godiva Chocolatier Gold gift box.
Herbal Teas For Soothing Hot Drinks
It's important for people to drink plenty of fluids while recovering after surgery to keep them hydrated and flush toxins from their body.
So a box of herbal teas such as the Tea Forte herbal tea chest make for a welcome addition to any after surgery care package.
As this way they can have a soothing hot drink when they need one without dehydrating themselves.
A Book To Guide Them Through Their Recovery From Surgery
One of the scariest parts of having surgery is the journey into the unkown.
So giving them a book that will outline the whole process from preparation to recovery can be a big help.
With one such book being Prepare For Surgery, Heal Faster which is full of great tips to help them on the road to recovery.
Something To Keep Them Entertained While They're Stuck At Home
Being stuck at home for days or weeks after surgery can get old real quick.
So adding in a few items that will keep them occupied and stave off the boredom is a top idea for any care package.
And this can include anything they're into really such as:
Adult Coloring Books To Calm Them
Adult coloring books have been found to be really helpful in calming and soothing people, which makes them a brilliant addition to any after surgery care package.
As getting lost in coloring in the intricate designs in a book such as the Mindfulness Coloring Book For Adults is a great way of distracting themselves from any worries or fears they may be having.
And if they're humor is a bit darker then they might prefer the x-rated Calm The Fuck Down Adult Coloring Book instead.
A Grabber Reacher Tool To Make Life Easier
In the early days after surgery they may have limited mobility and movement, which can make reaching for things and picking things up problematic.
So including an RMS grabber reacher tool in your care package is a really helpful thing to do.
As this will allow them to pick up things from shelves or off the floor without bending down or overstretching themselves.
A Back Scratcher For Hard To Reach Itches
Not having full mobility after surgery can also mean you can't reach around and scratch yourself in certain areas when needed.
Which can be super annoying!
So pop in a Wovte bear claw back scratcher for them so they can scratch any itch wherever and whenever it occurs.
Hot And Cold Gel Packs To Soothe The Pain
After surgery your body will feel bruised and beaten up from the trauma it has gone through.
So your loved one will have to deal with their fair share of pain on the path to getting better again.
Which makes the iReliev hot & cold therapy gel packs good additions to an after surgery care package.
As these gel packs can be put in the freezer and brought out to ice areas of pain to reduce inflammation, or put in a microwave if they need to heat the area to relieve muscle aches and pains instead.
You can find more pain management gifts here that can help.
A Scented Candle For Relaxing Aromas
Being able to relax and unwind is an important part of the healing process after surgery.
So adding in a scented candle to your care package such as the Chesapeake Bay Serenity & Calm candle is a nice idea.
As these candles give off soothing and calming aromas that will help them to switch off.
Cuddly Toys To Snuggle Up To
When you're feeling low and vulnerable after surgery it's nice to have something to snuggle up to.
So adding a plush cuddly toy to your after surgery care package will always be a winner.
And this can be a regular plush toy, a weighted one for added anxiety relief, or one you can heat up in a microwave to act in a similar way to a hot water bottle.
Epsom Salts For Soothing Soaks In The Bath
In the early days after surgery your loved one probably won't be able to take a bath.
But towards the end of their recovery process having a hot soak in the tub can feel like bliss.
As the warm water relaxes both their body and mind, making them feel wonderful.
So adding in some epsom salts or bath bombs to your after care package can help them to enjoy their healing bathtimes even more.
Rounding Up
Putting together an after surgery care package for a loved one is a super thing to do.
As not only does this show them that you care, it will also give them plenty of useful items that will aid in their recovery.
So I hope you've managed to get enough ideas for your own care package by reading through this post.
As each of the items I've included here will be extremely helpful to anyone recovering from surgery.