aftercare

American  

[af-ter-kair, ahf-] / ˈæf tərˌkɛər, ˈɑf- /

noun

Medicine/Medical.

1. the care and treatment of a convalescent patient.

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aftercare British  

/ ˈɑːftəˌkɛə /

noun

1. support services by a welfare agency for a person discharged from an institution, such as hospital, hostel, or prison

2. med the care before and after discharge from hospital of a patient recovering from an illness or operation

3. any system of maintenance or upkeep of an appliance or product

   contact lens aftercare

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Etymology

Origin of aftercare

First recorded in 1755–65; after + care

Example Sentences

“There’s no aftercare for this experience,” Alary said.

From Slate • Feb. 2, 2026

“It’s extremely intimate,” said Davis, a queer licensed aesthetician who specializes in facial treatments and post-surgery aftercare for transgender people and nonbinary people.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2025

Bodily preservation, beyond the ashes or cemented paw prints offered by veterinarians and animal hospitals, has become a growing facet in the world of pet aftercare, with traditional taxidermists fulfilling many of the niche requests.

From Los Angeles Times • May 23, 2025

"The nurses were amazing, the aftercare was all followed up, they referred me to physio. But I need to continue with the NHS now because otherwise, where does the cost end?"

From BBC • Dec. 8, 2024

That gap in appropriate aftercare is a familiar theme to Denise Mayhew, an ambassador for cancer charity Black Women Rising.

From BBC • Dec. 4, 2024