As you prepare for your total joint replacement surgery, there are a lot of steps you need to complete. One of the most important steps is preparing your home for recovery to help minimize issues later. Setting up your home prior to your surgery will make your life easier and your recovery more comfortable. Here are instructions to get your home “recovery ready.”
It’s important to make sure to:
- Remove any rugs, cords, or other obstacles that could cause you to trip and fall. Remember, you’ll likely be using a walker after surgery and getting around may be difficult.
- Make sure handrails are sturdy and solid if you have stairs in your home.
- Install grab bars in your bathroom, if necessary.
- Create your zone: a chair with arms; a table with necessities like your phone, water, and snacks; a place to set up your medications, remote controls, magazines or books, and a good light.
- Arrange the furniture so you can safely and easily walk around with your walker.
- Have a plan for who will be able to help care for your pets as you recover.
- Grocery shop ahead of time. Stock up on the items you use frequently and consider pre-freezing meals.
- Have all of your usual medications and the ones you will need for this surgery available and ready.
- Make sure you have a thermometer handy in case you need to check your temperature after surgery.
Your surgeon and staff will go over your after-surgery care and answer any questions you have. Follow their post-operative instructions closely. If you have any questions or concerns, call The Center at 541-382-3344.
