A lot of attention goes into the surgery itself, but recovery really begins the moment you walk back through your front door.
Taking a bit of time to prepare your home before surgery can make the first days and weeks of your recovery timeline noticeably easier, both for you and for whoever is helping you along the way.
Set Up a Recovery Space on One Level
If possible, plan to stay on a single floor for the first several days, ideally with easy bathroom access. Stairs are manageable for most patients fairly early on, but minimizing trips up and down in the first few days can help conserve energy for physical therapy and healing. If your bedroom is upstairs, consider setting up a temporary sleeping area on the main level, at least for the first week or so.
Clear Pathways and Remove Trip Hazards
Loose rugs, extension cords, and low furniture can all become obstacles when you’re moving around with a walker or cane. Walk through your home before surgery and clear a wide, unobstructed path between the bed, bathroom, kitchen, and any other frequently used spaces. Also, make sure hallways and rooms are well lit, including nightlights for nighttime trips to the bathroom.
Bathroom Adjustments
The bathroom is often one of the trickier spaces during early recovery. A raised toilet seat and a shower chair can make a meaningful difference in comfort and safety. If you haven’t already installed them, grab bars near the toilet and shower are worth adding ahead of time. A handheld showerhead can also make bathing easier if standing for extended periods feels difficult in the first few weeks.
Kitchen and Daily Living Setup
Before surgery, it can help to prepare simple, easy-to-reheat meals and stock up on groceries, since cooking may be limited in the first week or two. Rearranging frequently used items to waist height, rather than bending down or reaching up high, can reduce unnecessary strain on your new joint. A small cooler or bag with wheels nearby can also help you carry items around the house without using your hands for both walking and carrying.
Your Joint Replacement Coach
Many patients benefit from having a designated support person, sometimes called a joint replacement coach, who attends preoperative appointments, provides transportation to and from surgery, and helps around the house during the first several days of recovery. Identifying this person ahead of time, and looping them in on your home setup and recovery plan, tends to make the whole process smoother for everyone involved.
Equipment to Have on Hand
Depending on your procedure and your surgeon’s recommendations, useful equipment often includes:
- A walker or cane, along with any assistive devices recommended for your specific procedure
- A raised toilet seat and shower chair
- A reacher or grabber tool for items on the floor or high shelves
- Ice packs or a cold therapy system for swelling
- A firm, supportive chair with armrests for getting up and down easily
Your surgical team can help confirm exactly what’s recommended based on your procedure and home layout.
Give Yourself a Head Start
None of this preparation needs to be complicated, but a little planning ahead of time can remove unnecessary stress once you’re home and focused on healing. If you have questions about what your specific recovery setup should look like, your surgical team is a good resource well before your surgery date.
Schedule a Consultation Today
If hip or knee pain is slowing you down, don’t wait. Request a consultation online or call
Palm Beach Orthopedic Institute and ask for Dr. Robert J. Avino.