Hip and knee replacement surgeries are effective ways to treat advanced arthritis. Both surgeries have high success rates. However, full recovery from either a hip or a knee procedure can take several weeks to several months.
After surgery and after your discharge, your rehabilitation starts. Before your surgery, however, you need to prep your home so you can resume your daily activities and maneuver around your house as best as you can while you heal.
Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Bryan King and the medical team at Tuscaloosa Orthopedic & Joint Institute wants your hip or knee replacement surgery and rehabilitation to go smoothly. Here, they share the best way to prep your home before surgery for recovery from a knee or hip surgery.
If you live in a multi-level home, and your sleeping area is on the upper floor, consider relocating, if possible, to the main floor, so you don’t need to climb stairs. While you need to rest, it’s important to move around, don’t plan to spend all your time in bed.
Set up an area that is comfortable for you outside of the bed. Yes, you need to move, but you will still be spending a lot of time sitting and resting. Set a comfortable chair near a good reading lamp and TV.
Have items you’ll need handy such as the remote, water, glasses (if you need them), tissues, and snacks. Also, have a stool or table to raise and rest your foot.
For your bathroom, you should invest in or borrow items that help you raise or lower yourself into or onto the bath or toilet. Raising your toilet seat with a cover or safety frame will help you use the toilet. You can also install grab bars near your toilet or bathtub.
You also want to make sure there are not loose mats or slippery floors. Consider a rubber suction mat in the bath or toilet and a non-slip/skid bath mat for your floor. Stock up on toiletries and personal items such as toilet paper, shampoo, soap, and tissues.
Remove loose cords or long extension cords. Clear your halls and other parts of your home of throw rugs. Have a pet? Find a friend to watch them over your first few weeks at home, or arrange for someone to walk or care for your furry friend. You should stock up on frozen or canned meals and food.
If there is someone who can help you out the first few weeks, don’t be ashamed to ask for help. Having someone to do laundry, clean, prepare your meals, and help you in general can only make your recovery go a bit smoother.
Want to learn more about what to expect before, during, and after your hip or knee surgery? Call Tuscaloosa Orthopedic & Joint Institute in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, to determine what you need to know about your upcoming surgery.
