Being a caregiver for a loved one who has undergone surgery is primarily about organization: transportation, meals, appointments, and phone calls. The first week at home is often filled with practical questions and the fatigue of the family and friends. This page offers a customizable schedule, points to clarify with the healthcare team, and information on available support, without replacing the instructions given upon discharge.
Emergency: If the person undergoing surgery has difficulty breathing, chest pain, faintness, sudden confusion, or heavy bleeding, immediately call 15 (SAMU) in France, or 112 from any European country. Do not drive yourself.
Quick answer
A good plan answers four questions: who will accompany the outing, who will be available for the first few days, who will do what, and who will contact the team if there is any doubt. The team's written instructions take precedence over any online calendar, including the one on this page.
| Moment | Role of the caregiver | This needs to be clarified with the team. |
|---|---|---|
| Before the operation | Note the date, contact information, and instructions. | Who should accompany the exit and remain present? |
| Release day | Accompany the return, collect the documents | Prescriptions, planned treatments, phone number to call |
| First days | Observe, assist with meals and mobility | This needs to be reported immediately. |
| Weekend | Take stock and schedule appointments | Date of inspection, resumption of activities |
What is your role as a caregiver for a loved one who has undergone surgery?
The caregiver is not a healthcare professional. They do not decide on treatment, dressings, or the resumption of activities. Their role is to make the return home possible: being present when needed, observing, reporting their observations, and ensuring that the team's instructions are followed. This boundary protects both the patient and their family.
The French Association of Caregivers has dedicated a section to caregiver health, which it presents as a public health issue: taking care of oneself is part of the role. A few days after a scheduled operation, the workload is shorter, but it can be intense if nights are short or if one is providing care alone.
Before the operation: what needs to be decided together
Who is accompanying the outing?
For outpatient surgery, the French Society of Anesthesia and Intensive Care (Société française d'Anesthesia et de Réanimation) recommends having a companion for the return home. If a companion is unforeseen and unavailable, the team will look for an alternative before proposing a standard hospital stay; therefore, it is best to specify this person's name before the day of the operation. The guide on companions and the first night provides further details on this point.
What documents and contacts should I gather?
- The date and time of the procedure, the name of the hospital department and the number to call if you have any questions.
- The health insurance card, the supplementary health insurance card and the list of usual treatments.
- The contact details of the attending physician, the pharmacy and a nurse if care is planned.
- A single notebook for recording instructions, schedules, and observations.
The preparation list for an operation complements these guidelines.
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On the day of the outing: what to check before leaving?
Before leaving the hospital, ask someone to take your prescriptions, planned treatments, follow-up appointments, and the contact number with you. Write down what is written on them: upon returning home, fatigue and anesthesia can make memory unreliable. The person who has had surgery should not drive. According to the French National Health Insurance (Assurance Maladie), some medications can impair alertness: ask the doctor or pharmacist if this is the case for your prescribed treatment.
A schedule for the first week that needs to be adapted
This breakdown serves as an organizational framework, not a medical program. The team's instructions supersede each of these lines when they differ.
The first days
Prioritize being present and observing your patient. Prepare simple meals in advance, ensure easy access to the toilet, keep water readily available, and have your phone charged. Note down any medications taken and the time, without altering the treatment. If you experience pain, fever, or bleeding that concerns you, call the surgical department at the number provided upon discharge rather than waiting until the next day.
Midweek
Needs change: the person may move around more or, conversely, tire more than expected. Keep the logbook up to date and check that the prescribed care is provided. The post-operative dressing guide explains why it should not be changed without instructions.
The end of the week
Debrief with the person who had the surgery: what went well, what remains difficult, and questions for the follow-up appointment. Schedule any missed appointments and prepare the administrative paperwork, including the sick leave certificate if the surgery concerns an employed person.
Who does what: sharing the tasks
- Shopping, meals and housework: one designated person, with a backup plan.
- Transportation and appointments: one person, and a backup solution.
- Calls to the care team: a single point of contact on the family side, to avoid contradictory information.
- Nights and vigils: alternated if several relatives are available.
When should I call the team or 15?
For questions about unusual symptoms, first call the department that performed the surgery, using the number provided upon discharge. In case of a serious condition, call 15 (SAMU in France) or 112, whichever is more appropriate. Inform the emergency services that the person has undergone surgery and specify the date and type of procedure.
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Carer's leave and support: what to check?
Carer's leave is available to private sector employees, public sector workers, self-employed individuals, and unemployed individuals receiving benefits who are assisting a relative with a disability or an elderly person experiencing a loss of autonomy. A one-off event does not always meet these criteria: ask your employer, your family allowance fund, or your human resources department what applies to your situation.
For your discharge from the hospital, the hospital's social services department can provide guidance on home care and other necessary procedures. Don't wait until the last day to contact them.
Taking care of yourself when you're helping
Sleeping, eating, and taking time for yourself are essential parts of the process. An exhausted caregiver is less observant and reacts more slowly. Accept offers of help from family and friends, and be specific: "Can you bring meals on Tuesday and Thursday?" is more helpful than "Don't hesitate to ask."
F.A.Q
Is it possible to be alone with the person who has had surgery?
It depends on the procedure and the team's instructions. Ask before the operation if continuous presence is required and for how long.
Should we help with washing?
Only according to the instructions. Showering, dressing and bathing rules vary depending on the operation: request them in writing.
Can a medication be given in addition to the prescription?
No, not without consulting a doctor or pharmacist. Keep a record of what is taken and report any additional products.
Institutional sources
- French Society of Anesthesia and Intensive Care, discharge without an accompanying person after outpatient surgery, accessed on October 9, 2026.
- For older people, caregiver leave, accessed on October 9, 2026.
- Service-Public.fr, caregiver leave, accessed on October 9, 2026.
- How to organize hospital discharge for elderly people, accessed on October 9, 2026.
- Health insurance, medication and driving a vehicle, accessed on October 9, 2026.
- French Association of Caregivers, Caregiver Health, accessed on October 9, 2026.
Editorial note: This article was written on October 9, 2026, using institutional sources consulted on that date. It provides information without offering a diagnosis or replacing the advice of your healthcare team. Internal reference: aidant-semaine-20261009.
