Living area 

It’s important to prepare your living area so that you can recover in a comfortable environment. You’ll likely spend most of your time here during the first few days and weeks of your recovery when it may be difficult to move about. There are 3 steps to getting your living area ready: 

1. Remove tripping hazards

• Remove small throw rugs

• Secure larger rugs to the floor

• Remove loose cords from walkways or tape them down

• Pick up loose items off the floor to keep all pathways clear

• Put items you use often within easy reach so you don’t have to bend up or down to get them

2. Rearrange furniture to make room for a walker

• Create pathways that are at least 3 feet wide so you can easily move around with your walker

3. Set up a recovery zone - This is where you’ll spend most of your time after surgery, so you’ll want to be comfortable.  Find a sturdy chair with a firm back and arms.  The chair should be high enough for you to easily sit down and stand up.  Many people find a recliner to be a comfortable  option since you can elevate your legs.  If you don’t have a recliner, place a stool in front of your chair instead. Some items you might want near you include:

• Phone and phone charger

• TV remote

• Books or magazines

• Wastebasket

• Medication

• Water bottle

Bathrooms

Making changes to your bathroom reduces the risk of falling and can make moving around easier.

• Get a raised toilet seat so you can safely sit on the toilet without having to lower yourself too far down

• Add grab bars to your shower walls so you have something to hold on to

• Install nonslip strips or a nonslip mat on the floor of your shower so you don’t slip

• Consider getting a shower chair or a tub transfer bench so you can sit down while showering

• Consider buying a handheld showerhead.  This will be easier to use sitting down in the shower

• Buy  a long-handled sponge or loofah so you can wash your body without bending over or straining

Bedroom

If your bedroom is on an upper story and you’re currently having difficulty managing stairs, consider setting up a sleeping area on the main floor. Stairs can be tough to manage after surgery. Be sure your stairs have a stable railing and early on aim to limit your daily trips up and down the stairs until your strength and balance improve. If your bathroom is not on the main floor you should consider other options so you can avoid multiple daily trips up and down the stairs. One option is to set up a portable commode near your recovery zone or temporary sleeping area. Consider installing night-lights between your sleeping area and bathroom so you can find your way easily if you get out of bed in the middle of the night. Keep a cordless phone within easy reach of your bed, in case you need to call someone for help. Carrying a phone with you at all times during your recovery will also make it easier to answer incoming calls.

Kitchen

Making changes to your kitchen will make it easier to prepare meals when you return home.  A few simple things to prepare your kitchen include:

• Move frequently used items to waist level so you can reach them easily

• Cook meals in advance and freeze them to simplify your meal prep after surgery

• Stock up on non-perishable foods like rice, pasta, beans, and other canned goods

General safety

This is a great opportunity to clean your home in general. You won’t be able to move about easily to vacuum, sweep, or mop for a little while after surgery. If you want these tasks done, now is the best time.

If you live alone, consider arranging for help for things like walking the dog, taking in the mail, or taking the trash cans out to the curb. Ask your neighbors, family, or friends if they can help you with these tasks for the first couple weeks, or hire help if needed. Preparing in advance will help make the transition home easier so you can focus fully on your recovery. Talk with your occupational therapist, physical therapist or someone on your surgical team if you have any questions.