Making Arrangements at Work and at Home: Work Checklist and Home Checklist

Work Checklist:

• Meet with your boss to explain the situation, how long you anticipate being away from work and any work limitations you expect when you return
• Make arrangements or make sure arrangements are made to have somebody fill in for you while you are away
• Leave detailed instructions regarding your workload: project status, timelines, deadlines, and so on
• Change your voice mail message; make sure your replacement records a new message
• Meet with your human resource representative to review your company's policy regarding medical leave and to verify your health coverage and short- or long-term disability insurance
• Arrange to have your paycheck or any monies owed to you sent to your home
• If your temporary replacement begins work before you leave, spend as much time as possible training that individual
• Speak with your replacement by telephone during your recovery period to make sure everything is on track

Home Checklist:

Make a list of the things that need to be attended to before you return from the hospital, and allow plenty of time to make the needed arrangements. If you have children to take care of, arrange for someone else to take care of them while you are in the hospital. Other arrangements will probably include at least some of the following:

• Collecting the mail
• Watering plants
• Paying bills
• Pet care
• Looking after the house
• Checking phone messages

Some other suggestions:

• Cook food ahead of time and freeze it; or plan to have food delivered or meals made by neighbors or friends
• Schedule help for when you return home regarding everyday chores such as cooking, cleaning, laundry
• Arrange for home care, physical therapy or a stay in a rehabilitation facility, if needed
• Rearrange furniture, items and sleeping quarters for your convenience, depending on your mobility
• Make sure there are no safety hazards (such as loose wires on the floor, slippery floors or tub surfaces) that could cause you to fall
• If necessary, install safety railings, shower bench and elevated toilet seat in the bathroom. Some safety items can be rented.
• Pack the items on the "What-to-Pack If You Will Be Staying in the Hospital"
• Take care of legal issues: consent form; blood transfusion form; advance directives; organ donor
• Understand and review your health insurance coverage. Are you required to get a second opinion before surgery will be paid for? What are the deductibles? Do you need any additional referrals or pre-certifications?
• Verify payment procedures with the hospital and your doctor's office
• Donate blood in case you need it during surgery
• Arrange for travel home from the hospital
• Attend Pre-surgical or Pre-admission Education sessions given by your hospital to learn what to expect prior to and after surgery.
• Know what to expect in terms of post-surgical pain and what pain relief options will be available and appropriate for your needs. Ask about pain relief therapies that are clinically indicated as more effective than narcotics.
• Have prescriptions filled in advance of your surgery