Support at Home Before and After Surgery
Aviva In-Home Care uses a Family-Centered Model of Care approach to home care services. Family-Centered care is made up of a set of values, attitudes, and approaches to services for clients with special needs and their families. Family-Centered care recognizes that each family is unique; that the family is the constant in our client’s life; and that they are the experts on the client’s abilities and needs.
Aviva works closely with the family to make informed decisions about the services and support the client and family receive. With Family-Centered care, the strengths and needs of all involved family members are considered. Studies have shown that health outcomes and levels of satisfaction are improved with this model of care. This is why this model is widely used at major health facilities across the U.S.
How can we help you with pre & post surgical support?
Preparing for a procedure involves more than arranging a hospital appointment. You may also need help getting ready, returning home, preparing meals, or managing personal routines during recovery.
Aviva In-Home Care provides non-medical assistance before and after surgery in San Francisco and the Bay Area. We help families plan everyday support around the instructions and services provided by the treating healthcare team.
Call 415-463-1400 to discuss your procedure date and anticipated care needs.
Before the Procedure
Planning ahead gives everyone time to identify responsibilities and confirm availability.
Discuss assistance with:
- Preparing clothing and personal items for the hospital.
- Organizing essential household supplies.
- Shopping and preparing meals for the return home.
- Arranging accompaniment and transportation.
- Identifying who will be available after discharge.
- Sharing relevant instructions with authorized family members and the care team.
Confirm transportation requirements directly with the procedure facility. If an escort is required, make sure the proposed arrangement meets the facility’s rules.
Questions about preparation instructions belong with the treating team. A caregiver should not independently interpret or change clinical directions.
Let’s Get Started
Aviva works closely with your family, throughout the care process, to make informed decisions about the services and support the client and family receive.
Coordinating With the Discharge Team
With the client’s authorization, Aviva can communicate with family members and relevant healthcare professionals about the non-medical assistance needed at home. Its published services include communication around surgical preparation and the transition home.
Before discharge, clarify:
- The expected departure time: Let Aviva know if the schedule changes.
- Daily assistance needs: Explain help required with dressing, bathing, toileting, eating, or mobility.
- Home access: Identify stairs, entry arrangements, and the route to the bathroom and bedroom.
- Equipment: Confirm who is arranging delivery and setup.
- Clinical services: Establish whether nursing or therapy visits have been ordered and scheduled.
- Coverage gaps: Identify who will be present between visits.
The hospital determines discharge readiness. Aviva separately confirms whether it can meet the requested non-medical needs and schedule.
After You Return Home
Depending on the agreed care plan, assistance may include personal care, meal preparation, light housekeeping, errands, and companionship.
The first visit should focus on immediate priorities. These may include helping the person settle in, preparing food, and making everyday items accessible.
Share activity restrictions and other relevant instructions before services begin. Any task involving specialized equipment or substantial physical assistance needs to be assessed individually.
What This Service Does Not Replace
Non-medical home care does not replace skilled nursing, wound treatment, therapy, or other clinical services.
If both home care and medical providers are involved, define who is responsible for each task. Questions about symptoms, treatment, or restrictions should go to the appropriate healthcare professional.
For an emergency, call 911.
Keeping the Family Informed
Identify one primary contact and any other people authorized to receive updates. Explain what information would be useful, such as assistance provided, meals prepared, or concerns requiring follow-up.
Clear communication helps families coordinate responsibilities without relying on several people to pass along different versions of the plan.
Hospital Discharge FAQs
Can we arrange support before the hospital confirms discharge?
Yes. You can begin discussing care needs while discharge planning is underway. Provide the expected date, likely assistance requirements, and the discharge team’s contact information when authorized. The actual start must still be confirmed after the care needs, staffing, and departure arrangements are clear.
What if the discharge date changes?
Contact Aviva as soon as you learn about a change. A different departure time may affect caregiver availability and transportation arrangements. Reconfirm the first visit rather than assuming coverage automatically moves with the hospital schedule.
Does hospital discharge automatically include home care?
Do not assume that it does. Ask the discharge planner which services have actually been arranged, which providers are involved, and when visits will occur. If you want Aviva’s non-medical assistance, confirm that arrangement directly with Aviva.
Can a caregiver provide all the help needed after surgery?
That depends on the person’s assessed needs. Some tasks fall within non-medical home care, while others require licensed clinicians, specialized equipment, or additional staffing. Share the expected assistance and restrictions before scheduling so the team can determine what it can provide.
Providing Pre & Post Surgical Support in San Francisco, Burlingame, San Mateo, Hillsborough, Atherton, Menlo Park, Palo Alto, Berkeley, Lafayette, Orinda, San Bruno, Millbrae, San Carlos, Belmont, Redwood City, Mountain View, Sunnyvale, Los Altos, San Jose, Santa Clara, Albany, Montclair, Emeryville, Foster City, Oakland Hills, Berkeley Hills, San Leandro, Hayward, Richmond, Cupertino, Campbell, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Moraga, Claremont, Palo Alto Hills, & Los Altos Hills.
With Family-Centered Care, the strengths and needs of all involved family members are considered.
Clinical Reviewer: Valerie VanBooven, RN, BSN
