There are several factors to consider, firstly whether your surgery was part of an ACC claim or whether it was due to other causes. The type of support you get may vary if your surgery is accident or ACC related.
Generally, when someone has had surgery the type of support they may get on discharge (if needed) is short term, perhaps for about six weeks. If this hasn’t been arranged for you and you feel you need this, ask about it when your discharge is being arranged. Assistive equipment such as a shower chair may also be available on short term loan.
If you also have a long-term disability then different criteria apply (see assessment).
The purpose of short term assistance is to help you get your confidence back and to make sure you get back up on your feet again and are safe doing so. You will usually find you will make great progress relatively quickly although full recovery after surgery often takes a long time.
If you have been allocated some short term assistance and if at the end of it, you feel that you have not made the expected progress, then enquire about having an assessment. This may be done to determine what your ongoing needs are and whether you are eligible for funded support .
If your home isn’t set up with safety equipment it’s a good time to review this when you get home. Nonslip shower and/or bath mats, and grab rails in both the toilet and bathroom are sensible measures at any time. You can find services and equipment on Making Life Easier
Updated: 13 Jul 2023