May Li, MS, OTR/L
May Li, MS, OTR/L, an occupational therapist at Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City. HHS.edu
Are you headed for knee- or hip-replacement surgery? Take these steps before your procedure for a better recovery.
Place everyday items within easy reach. Put the items you regularly use at roughly waist level so there won’t be any need for climbing on a step stool, bending over or straining. Examples: In the bedroom, move clothes up from a low drawer to a more accessible one and shoes up from the floor…in the bathroom, rearrange items around the sink and in the shower…in the kitchen, transfer essentials from high and low cabinets to the counter…in the fridge, bring the foods you eat most often to the front of middle shelves.
Clear the decks. Walk from room to room, and get rid of clutter, cables and wires, throw rugs and any objects that may cause you to trip. Pay attention to hallways and around doorways since you may need a walker temporarily. Consider moving furniture out of the way. Measure the width of doorways (don’t forget the door into your home) so that equipment you need for your recovery will fit through them. Consider adding motion-sensor lights in hallways.
Make a plan to avoid stairs. You may need to sleep on a recliner or sofa on your first floor—choose the option with the easiest access to a bathroom. Arrange your phone and charger, glasses, TV remote and medications within easy reach.
Order helpful items. Skip regular shoes in favor of slip-ons or slip-in sneakers. Buy a “hip- or knee-replacement kit” that contains long-handled tools including a bath sponge, grabber/reacher, sock aid, shoe horn and dressing stick. Some kits include a leg lifter (to help you get out of bed). Put a plastic container and water bottle in a bag, and hang it from your walker to transport food and beverages. Invest in thick seat cushions to boost your chair’s height and a foot rest for your leg.
Consider toileting items, such as a raised toilet seat or a bedside commode, shower chair, transfer bench to help get into a high tub and a handheld showerhead that attaches to a tub faucet. Add grab bars in the bathroom.
Prep easy meals in advance. Stock your fridge and freezer with premade and frozen meals that you can reheat in the microwave. Slice up fruits and vegetables for healthy snacks.
Plan for post-surgery care. If you live alone, ask a loved one to stay with you for the first few days or hire help. If that’s not possible, talk to your surgeon’s office assistant or your case manager about options and create a presurgical plan, which may include physical or occupational therapy, a home health aide referral and/or going to a rehabilitation facility after hospital discharge. These referrals depend on how you are doing after surgery. If you have pets, arrange for their care.
