[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”replacementrtstypes” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n
The amount of preparation that you need to do in your home before a hip replacement, really depends on whether you are having either a posterior or lateral approach hip replacement, or an anterior approach hip replacement. For Mom’s posterior approach hip replacement we had quite a lot to do in terms of moving things around, and we bought and tested a number of pieces of equipment to help with toileting and dressing.<\/p>\n
The recovery from the posterior and lateral approach hip replacement takes longer, with the patient facing many more restrictions, or precautions in what they are allowed to do, will require specific seating arrangements, assistive devices for picking up objects, toileting and dressing, and probably quite a bit of assistance from a caregiver for a number of weeks.<\/strong><\/p>\n Due to all of the above, there are a lot of preparations that a person can do in the home prior to their surgery.<\/strong><\/p>\n If a person has had an anterior approach hip replacement, the recovery to normal daily activities and walking is far quicker, and the preparations required in the home are far less. Should the person need a caregiver, it will typically only be for 7 to 10 days.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_toggle title=”CONTENTS – Overview & Quick Links” open=”on” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” body_ul_font=”||||||||” body_ul_text_color=”#59bdd6″ border_radii=”on|10px|10px|10px|10px” border_color_all=”#3648ed” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Preparing the home for hip replacement surgery<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n How to prepare yourself for a hip replacement<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n Equipment needed after a hip replacement<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n How to get the medical equipment and assistive devices for free, or cheap<\/strong><\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n How long do you need a caregiver after hip replacement<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_toggle][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n To give you a little perspective, I looked after my mom after her posterior approach hip replacement, and was responsible for all the preparations, as well as all the assistance at home after the surgery.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n For my 88 yr old mom, I had to –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n I am my mom’s caregiver, so I live with her, and could also do things on the fly after her surgery, but if your caregiver does not live with you, or will not be there a lot of the time, you will want to be well prepped ahead of time.<\/p>\n Let’s take a look at what you can do in detail…<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”preparinghome” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Most of this preparation is for those individuals who have had a posterior or lateral hip approach replacement, but some of it is useful if you had an anterior hip replacement, as you will be a little off kilter for a week or so.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n If you have a home on more than one level, it is a good idea to live just one floor of your home during your recovery<\/strong>, at least for a few weeks, to avoid using the stairs.<\/p>\n Select the items you use on a daily basis in the living room, bathroom, and bedroom, <\/strong>and put them at a height where you can get to them in each room.<\/p>\n Remove any clutter from rooms<\/strong> which can cause you to trip and fall.<\/p>\n Remove any rugs<\/strong> which are not flat to the floor, or which are slip or slide.<\/p>\n Move furniture away from in front of curtains<\/strong> – it can cause over reaching and straining of the hip, when you try to open or close the curtains.<\/p>\n Fix a walker pouch, or bag, to your walker<\/strong> – you can transport lightweight items in it.<\/p>\n Wear a fanny pack<\/strong>, so you have a way of keeping small items with you, such as a medical alert button.<\/p>\n Keep a cellphone on you<\/strong> – in the fanny pack, in case you have an emergency.<\/p>\n Chairs with armrests – <\/strong>have one in each room you are going to be using, and with the seat at the right height.<\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”carerthink” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Buy a vacuum insulated mug with a screw on lid<\/strong>, if you don’t have one, so you can carry it around with you without spilling your drink.<\/p>\n Buy a vacuum insulated thermos if you want to make larger amounts of hot drinks<\/strong>, which you can just keep next to you, for refills.<\/p>\n Buy about a month’s worth of canned foods, and non-perishables in advance<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Cook meals in advance and put them in the freezer –<\/strong> you can simply defrost them heat them up on the stove, or in the microwave, after your surgery.<\/p>\n If you have a microwave<\/strong>, make sure it is on a counter at the right height.<\/p>\n Buy 4 weeks worth of non-perishable food items<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Group all the provisions, if possible, in one place at an easy-to-reach height<\/strong> – between your waist and your shoulder height – remember no bending down or twisting of your upper body. Do everything standing facing forwards.<\/p>\n Set out on a counter in the kitchen – this way, you don’t have to reach up in a cupboard every time you eat to get stuff – between waist and shoulder height<\/p>\n If you have a table in the kitchen where you like to sit<\/strong>, make sure the chair is the right height and has armrests<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n In this area have –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Put a straight back chair with armrests, at the correct height for your in HQ<\/strong> – the seat has to be the right height for your hip replacement, and if you don’t know what height that is, you can find out in my article “How To Sit In A Chair After A Hip Replacement: An Illustrated Guide”, <\/strong><\/a>which tells you how to find the correct height, the best type of chair, how long you will need the chair, and much more.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”carerthink” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n In the first week at home, especially if the patient is elderly, they will probably be doing a lot of sleeping and lying in bed – at least that was the case for my mom.<\/p>\n With that in mind, you may want to set up a spot with a few snacks, cups and a kettle, next to the bed. <\/strong><\/p>\n Set up a bedside commode next to the bed<\/strong> – after surgery you aren’t going to be able to get to the bathroom quickly, and a bedside commode is a lifesaver.<\/p>\n Especially if you, or your loved one, is elderly, as the anesthetic for surgery may cause problems with bladder control, for a month or so after, and a bedside commode next to the bed will help a lot.<\/p>\n Disposable incontinence briefs for elderly, <\/strong>just for a few weeks after the hip replacement surgery, can also help to avoid extra issues with bed-wetting.<\/p>\n Another solution is to protect the bed with a disposable incontinence bed under pad, <\/strong>if you are looking after an elderly person.<\/p>\n You will also need a place<\/strong> where you can set out the toilet supplies, next to the bedside commode, that you will need for personal care and toileting.<\/p>\n Don’t forget to put some kind of floor protection<\/strong> under the bedside commode – I have an article which covers different types of floor protection for bedside commodes, and with plenty of cheap unconventional options you can use, as well as more usual mats. You can find here\u00a0 – “Floor Protection For A Bedside Commode”<\/strong><\/a>.<\/p>\n Is your bed at the right height – you can’t have it too low as this may cause you to break your precautions <\/strong>– get bed leg casters if it is.<\/p>\n Is the floor next to the bed slippery, or is the bed a little high ?<\/strong>\u00a0 – if it is put down something non-slip, like a piece of PVC non-slip rug underlay – this is as cheap as it gets, and you can just tape it down, and feet will no longer slip as you get up from the bed.\u00a0<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”carerthink” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n With all the risks of slipping in water, the<\/strong> bathroom is statistically the most dangerous room in the house<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Here are some of the ways you can make it a lot safer.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Grab bars<\/strong> can be installed in the shower, by the tub and by the sink – only use the type that are actually screwed to the wall – and get the bars which have the etched surface, as it is easier to get a firm grip.<\/p>\n Clamp-on vertical bathtub grab bar for the bathtub – if you have to step over into the tub, this effectively give you a handle to hold onto which is sticking up vertically in the air. Tension mounted floor to ceiling pole<\/strong> – If you don’t like the clamp-on bathtub grab bar, you can also put a pole next to the bathtub, and it has the advantage of being easily moved anywhere you need it.<\/p>\n A raised toilet seat with armrests<\/strong> – if you got a 3-in- 1 bedside commode, once you have decamped from the bedroom, the commode can be used over the toilet as a vert sturdy and safe raised toilet seat.<\/p>\n Shower seat\/bench\/chair – when you first arrive home from surgery,\u00a0 no matter which type of hip replacement you have had, <\/strong>it is a good idea wash yourself sitting down, if you are doing it in the shower.<\/p>\n Shower Caddy<\/strong> – get a shower caddy, or basket, to hold all the products together, that you like to use in the shower, so they are all in the one place, and can be set down next to where you are seated, for easy access.<\/p>\n Handheld shower heads <\/strong>are the best way to shower, as you don’t have to twist or bend to get under the water, and rinsing yourself if you are seated is far less difficult.<\/p>\n Place non-slip mats<\/strong> in the shower, and next to the bathtub, and in the tub if you are going for standing.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”preparinghomeyourself” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n It is not just your home, which can be prepared for a hip surgery, you can also get your own body into shape if need be.<\/p>\n Individuals who are overweight should try to eat more healthily and lose some weight –<\/strong> you don’t want to over burden your new hip. You can also do exercises to build up the muscles in your legs, buttocks and hips before your surgery, which can make things easier for your recovery<\/strong> – you can find a set of exercises on this specialist website here,\u00a0 <\/strong><\/a>https:\/\/www.durangojointreplacements.com\/patient-forms\/hip-exercises-before-total-hip-surgery.pdf.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n It is always a good time to quit smoking – <\/strong>anything which helps you go into your operation healthier is a benefit. <\/p>\n You may want to learn the following<\/strong> before you have your surgery –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Learn to sit down and to stand up using a walker – <\/strong>the walker is there to help you maintain your stability as you sit and stand.\u00a0 I actually have an Illustrated article which shows how to sit down and stand up, using a walker, after a hip replacement – “How to Sit In A Chair After Hip Replacement: An Illustrated Guide”<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Learn how to get on, and off, the bed, you can do this with or without a leg lifter. <\/strong><\/p>\n Learn how to transfer to a shower seat, using a walker.<\/strong><\/p>\n Learn how to use a bath transfer bench, or bath board, and again, you can do it with or without the aid of a leg lifter.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Sort out who is going to be your caregiver to help you after your surgery.<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n Make sure that your caregiver knows how to help you with –<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n After my mom’s surgery, the physical therapy team and the nurses showed me how to do all of the above – the reason being not only so that I knew what I was doing, but also in case my mom forgot how to do things.<\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n You will to find someone to drive you to appointments, if it is not your caregiver<\/strong><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n Lastly, make sure you have some decent shoes – <\/strong>a pair of flat shoes with a low, flat heel with a good capacity for shock absorption – something like a tennis shoe is going to essential.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”preparinghomeequipment” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Due to the precautions related to bending that you are going to be taking with a posterior or lateral approach hip replacement, you will find a lot of the normal daily activities will be quite difficult without a few assistive devices. This section is going to give you an idea of the assistive devices there are, and how they can help you.<\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text module_id=”recoverytipsmultipurpose” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n These are the devices which are used for a bunch of different tasks, especially the reacher which you will find indispensable –<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Anyone who has had a hip replacement can benefit from a good chair which has the seat at the right height, even someone who has had an anterior approach hip replacement.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”recoverytipstoileting” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n <\/p>\n These items are really only needed by those individuals who have had a posterior or lateral hip replacement, as they are required so that you avoid bending forwards fr reaching down.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/strong><\/p>\n [\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”][et_pb_text module_id=”carerequip” _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” custom_padding=”||0px|||” locked=”off” global_colors_info=”{}” theme_builder_area=”post_content”]<\/p>\n Here are links to a number of my articles, where you can learn about how to use some of the items you are going to need, and about the hygiene involved.<\/p>\n I<\/strong>f you are concerned with hygiene and problem of odors from a bedside commode<\/strong>, I have written an article about bedside commode odor control full of tips. You can read the article here – “Bedside Commode Odor Control: How to keep it Smelling Sweet”<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n If you want a raised toilet seat for an elderly person who is fragile and lacking in leg strength<\/strong>, I would suggest you get the PlatinumHealth\u00a0 Gentleboost bedside commode, which has a spring-loaded mechanism which helps the user with sitting and standing. This is a 3-in-1 commode, which can be used over the toilet or by the bedside.<\/p>\n I have an article all about the best raised toilet seats for after a hip replacement, and I indicate which seats are best suited for elderly adults. You can read that here – “Best Raised Toilet Seats After A Hip Replacement”.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Disposable commode liners<\/strong> – these are going to help you to manage the hygiene and odors from your bedside commode.\u00a0 You use a liner each time the commode is used, and afterwards dispose of it in the trash for landfill. I have an article which talks about how to use them, the different brands, buying in bulk, and how to make your own – “How To Dispose Of Commode Liners ?<\/strong><\/a>“.<\/p>\n\n
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Preparing the home for hip replacement surgery<\/h2>\n
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Food and kitchen<\/h3>\n
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Bedroom<\/h3>\n
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<\/strong><\/p>\nHow to prepare yourself for a hip replacement<\/h2>\n
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Equipment needed after a hip replacement<\/span><\/h2>\n
Multipurpose devices –<\/strong><\/h4>\n
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Seating –<\/h4>\n
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Toileting, bathing and personal care <\/strong><\/h4>\n
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