Personal support coach

It is important for your recovery to select a member, or members, of your care circle to be your personal support coach. They will support and encourage you to meet milestones during your recovery.

Your coach should plan to help care for you the first week after your surgery. The amount of care you will need when you return home depends on your recovery. You may only need someone to be with you for safety or you may need more support from someone to help you with your activities of daily living such as preparing meals, personal grooming or household chores.

In addition to being available once you get home, it is also important that your coach helps you prepare ahead of time and is with you at the surgery center. Your personal support coach should be prepared to:

• attend or watch a pre-surgery education class with you
• be available while you are at the surgery center to receive any updates and ask questions
• be with you to help listen to any education and discharge instructions before leaving the surgery center
• drive you home after surgery
• go to therapy sessions with you.

Recommended qualities in a coach

C – Caring and compassionate cheerleader
O – Offer comfort and support during your recovery
A – Available to actively participate and help with your rehabilitation
C – Communicate with you and your health care team
H – Help, listen and encourage your return to normal activity

Tip

Select your personal support coach before your surgery so your coach can make plans to be able to help you as needed after your surgery.

Important

Please have a member of your care circle drive you home and stay with you overnight after your surgery.