Aftercare is a broad term that refers to the care of convalescent patients. When a patient is recovering from surgery or another procedure there is always a recovery period where a person will be in need of physical, medical, and emotional support. Aftercare can include bed rest, medication, exercise, rehabilitation, and therapy. Taking care of a family member who just had surgery by making sure they rest, giving them medication, making them food, and making sure they are healing property is an example of aftercare.