A pocket guide to preparing your home for life after a hip surgery.
Along with preparing for your hip replacement surgery, you should also prepare your home for when you return from the procedure.
Your surgeon and assigned physiotherapist will be with you every step of the way during your recovery. They will explain how to prepare your home, but it's always a good idea to have a heads-up on how you can make sure your home is safe, accessible, and comfortable for your return from hip replacement surgery.
Contents:
Bedroom
A higher bed is the best option for getting in and out of bed after surgery to avoid rolling or twisting. To begin, you can use bricks to raise your bed 10cm above your knee or up to mid-thigh height. Experiment with getting on and off the bed at various heights to determine which is the easiest and most comfortable.
Bathroom
Shower or Bath:
Allow for assistance when showering to reduce the risk of a fall.
To avoid slipping both inside and outside the shower or bath, use a non-slip rubber mat.
Try standing in the shower for about 15 minutes on both feet, or sit in a stable stall if that is easier.
We recommend that you have assistance washing, drying, and moisturising your feet after a hip replacement so that you do not bend your hip more than 90 degrees.
You can also only shower for at least six weeks after hip replacement surgery, but no bathing.
Stairs
Stairs may be more difficult at first, but you will be able to practise with your physiotherapist in the hospital. The key is to move slowly, concentrate on your strength and balance, and follow your physiotherapist's instructions:
Climbing stairs: When climbing stairs, use your good leg first, then your crutches, and finally the leg that has been operated on.
Descending stairs: As you descend the stairs, put your crutches down first, then your bad leg, and finally your good leg.
Seating
It is not recommended to lounge around for extended periods of time while in recovery. It is recommended that you sit for no more than 45 minutes to an hour at a time to promote healthy blood flow and prevent stiffness and swelling.
Use an elevation cushion (a very firm 10cm high cushion), and when you sit, bend your knees and avoid crossing your legs or sitting with your legs up as this may cause you to bend forward too deeply at the hip.
Keep a side table nearby for drinks, spectacles, books, medication, and so on. This cannot be in front of you because reaching would result in hip flexion, which you want to avoid post-op.
I hope you found this helpful in helping you to be prepared and informed ahead of your hip replacement surgery. The thing to note is that every patient's recovery differs from one another, and it's not a race. Recover at your own pace and reach out for support if you need to.