Preparing Your Home for Your Post-Op Recovery

Print out this checklist and use it to prepare now, before your joint replacement surgery, so that your home will be safe and ready once you’re discharged from the hospital.

Safety Equipment

Consider obtaining the following recommended safety equipment:

__  Shower bench or chair

__  Grab bars in the shower

__  Raised toilet seat

__  An arm chair that is not too low or too soft (with a firm cushion)

__  An ADL kit, (typically, a dressing stick, sock aid, shoe horn and a grabber)

Your surgeon and physical and occupational therapists will determine what other durable medical equipment (DME) you may need based on your recovery progress and your home situation. Many insurance companies do not cover this equipment, so now is a good time to check.

Other Advance Preparations

__  Sliding shower doors removed (if your bathroom has these) and replaced with a shower curtain

__  Nightlights installed in bedroom, bathroom and hallway

__  Floors cleared of objects, wires and area rugs (to avoid tripping)

__  Stairs cleared of objects; handrails installed along stairs you will be using

__  Frequently used objects moved to waist level in bedroom, bathroom and kitchen (to avoid reaching)

__  Meals prepared, frozen and easy to move from freezer to microwave to where you will be eating

__  Arrangements made for someone to be with you (family member, friend or other caregiver) during the first week of your recovery at home

See our complete Pre-Op Checklist for other needs and to-do‘s before surgery.

This service is not intended to provide individual medical advice, which should only be obtained directly from a qualified physician or healthcare professional. Your personal information will never be used for any purpose other than to help educate and support you. You may opt out at any time with no effect to the delivery of your care or health benefits.