Being a surgery companion is part caregiver, part travel partner, part emotional support. Your role shifts across phases: logistics coordinator (before), waiting room presence (during), active caregiver (first 48 hours post-op), and recovery companion (days 3+). For most procedures, a companion is strongly recommended for the first 3–5 days; for minor procedures (dental, LASIK), it's helpful but not essential.
Your Role During Each Phase
Pre-surgery: Help with travel logistics, airport navigation, hotel check-in, pharmacy runs, and meal planning. Attend the pre-op consultation to hear post-op instructions firsthand.
Surgery day: Transport to and from the clinic, wait during the procedure, communicate updates to family at home, and help settle the patient post-procedure. Have the surgeon's emergency contact saved in your phone.
First 48 hours: This is the most intensive caregiving period. Help with medication schedules, mobility assistance, food and water, wound care (following surgeon's instructions), and emotional support. Sleep lightly — some patients need help during the night.
Days 3+: The companion role shifts to recovery partner. Light walking together, meals out, gentle sightseeing, and making sure the patient doesn't overdo it. Medellín offers plenty of gentle activities that work well for companions — botanical gardens, cable car rides, café culture.
Planning a Trip Together?
We help patients and companions plan the entire experience — from procedure scheduling to recovery activities.
Plan Together