A hip replacement is an operation you’ve very likely been longing for, but now the date is set, you may be feeling apprehensive about how you’ll manage upon return home from hospital. This apprehension can be intense, especially if you live alone; how will you manage everyday self-care tasks, not to mention cooking, shopping, and caring for your pets? The good news is others have ‘been there, done that’ before you, with success, and there is much you can do to prepare for your journey of recovery to go as smoothly as theirs. Make a start today, with these proven preparations:
Declutter
While your mobility is limited, the last thing you need is to be unnecessarily side-stepping around objects. Clear items from your home and garage floor, paths, step and stairs. Rearrange furniture to provide you with clear access ways (these should be wide enough to accommodate any walking aids you may need to use).
Equipment
Talk to your GP or OT (Occupational Therapist) about the equipment that can help you at home, and have it installed before you head off for your op.
The bedroom
Ensure you have a downstairs area for sleeping (even if this means having your bed, temporarily, moved into a corner of your living room).
Make sure you have an easy-to reach beside lamp, and a bedside table that provides all the surface space you’ll need to hold essential items.
Make sure you have a range of clothing items you will be able to dress yourself in. Place these in drawers at an appropriate height (if you’re unsure of what height you’ll be able to bend to, contact your occupational therapist to enquire).
Bathroom
If you don’t already use a night light to light your way to the bathroom, install one (plug-in night lights cost just a few dollars).
Keep essential items (such as shampoo and bodywash) within easy reach (containers designed to hang can be especially helpful).
If you don’t already have a non-slip surface in your shower or bath, talk to your OT about the best one for your bathroom.
If you’ve always wanted a heated towel rail, now is the time to have one installed! It can double as a dryer for small hand-washed items such as underwear and socks.
Kitchen
Fill your freezer, ahead of time, with ready-to-heat meals (the easiest way to do this is to cook double portions and freeze the extra, but also consider the occasional freezable takeaway meal). Don’t forget to label containers – it’s no fun standing at a freezer, with a new hip, trying to identify contents!
Keep kitchen necessities (tea, coffee, breakfast items) in height-appropriate drawers or cupboards, or on a tray on the countertop.
Stock up on non-perishables, and rearrange your pantry to accommodate them at a suitable height.
Learn how to shop online for groceries, and how to have them delivered (if you are concerned about cost, remind yourself you won’t be paying for fuel or for a taxi to get you to the supermarket).
Consider a small countertop oven to heat meals until you are able to reach down to your regular oven. Move your microwave to the countertop if it’s not already there.
Entertainment
Stock up on library books, and check out if your local library offers a home delivery or collection service. Learn how to use the online loan renewal service most libraries now offer.
Consider subscribing to a movie service.
General
Make sure your prescription medications are up-to-date, and in the house for your arrival home.
Check the WOF on your vehicle, and renew it ahead of time if it will expire before you are able to drive it again.
Ask a friend or neighbour to clear your mailbox (you will save them time if you leave a box for mail at a reachable height for you) outside your door. This same friend or neighbour may also be willing to take out your wheelie bin, and retrieve it for you.
Engage a lawnmower to keep your property looking lived-in until you can cut the grass yourself again.
Pets
If you have a dog, arrange in advance for it to be walked daily. If you are concerned about tripping over a pet for the first few weeks you are back home, consider asking family or a friend to care for your pet in their home during this period, or seek out a kennel or cattery.
Put pet feeders onto a surface your pet can access but will also be easy for you to reach. If you don’t already have one, consider getting an automatic pet food and water dispenser that won’t require everyday attention.
Planning ahead is a sure fire way to reduce any anxiety you may have about returning home after a hip replacement. Don’t delay!
janlyn - 3 months ago
The one thing I learnt with both knee and hip replacement is to go to a physio as soon as you are out of hospital. Ask your friends for recommendations.
Amongst my friends, the ones that didn’t go to physio quickly have taken a lot longer to improve their mobility.