Joint replacement surgeries are becoming quite common. However, we have found that many patients are not properly prepared for the transition from the hospital to home. Although patients are usually given information, it is often included with a lot of other paperwork and instructions, so it can be easy to overlook. Replacing a hip or knee is a major surgery that involves significant recovery time and adherence to many precautions. Patients typically need help for several weeks with basic things like bathing, getting dressed, and using the toilet.
Anyone that has had a hip or knee replaced will tell you that it is one thing to read about what you’ll need to do once you get home, and quite another to actually experience it.
Several weeks before you go to the hospital for a joint replacement surgery, be sure your home is set up properly and that you have the necessary items to make everyday tasks easier and help speed your recovery.
Setting up your home:
- You will want to have a comfortable chair with arms that allow you to keep your hips higher than your knees when sitting, or one that elevates your knees higher than your chest when reclined. Zero gravity lift chairs are the most suitable for this. Avoid chairs that are too low as well as soft chairs, rocking chairs, and sofas.
- Prepare for bathing or showering. You will need two grab bars to help you get in and out of the tub or shower. Be sure to have non-slip suction mats to prevent falls. Arrange soap and shampoo so it can be reached without bending, reaching, or twisting.
- Set up a “recovery station.” This can be a hospital bed or a zero gravity lift chair that is properly sized. Place the television remote control, radio, telephone, medicine, tissues, wastebasket, pitcher, and glass next to the spot where you will spend the most time while you recover.
- Place items you use every day at arm’s level to avoid reaching up or bending down. This may involve re-organizing the refrigerator and kitchen cabinets.
- Stock up on kitchen supplies and prepare food in advance, such as frozen casseroles or soups that can be reheated and served easily.
Special items to purchase:
- A raised toilet seat or toilet riser is a must-have! Raised toilet seats with or without arms are available in 3” and 5” heights, and a toilet safety frame is recommended for any risers without arms. Be sure to know if your toilet is round or elongated when shopping for these.
- A walker is usually recommended for at least the first several days. You will need crutches, and you will eventually “graduate” to using a cane.
- The hospital may ask you to purchase a “hip kit.” This usually includes a reacher, a sock aide, dressing stick, shoehorn, and a long-handled bath sponge. You may prefer to purchase these items individually.
- A handheld attachment sprayer for the shower makes showering much easier.
- A bath or shower chair may be very helpful, or, if needed, transfer benches for the tub are available. Make sure that any of these have rubber tips on the bottom.
The physical therapists at the hospital will teach you the proper techniques for regular activities of daily living so that you do not injure or dislocate your new hip or knee. You will likely need help for the first several weeks with bathing, using the toilet, cooking, running errands, and going to the doctor. When you are recovering from surgery, it is important to keep your energy focused on your health, not on worrying about medical supplies or whether you have the right equipment to ease your transition home.
Heartland Home Medical Supply and Retail Outlet can provide you with the latest and best in home healthcare equipment to make your life more enjoyable. Stop in their showroom at 716 E. Empire, Suite 2, next to the Constitution Trail. Call them at 309-829-8122, or visit them online at heartlandhms.com.
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