Hip replacement surgery is an operation meant to help improve a person’s quality of life after a hip injury. During recovery, the pain will alleviate, and mobility will increase. However, you also need to be dedicated to ensuring a smooth recovery. With just a few simple modifications to your living environment, you can recover in a safe and comfortable environment. Read on to learn changes to help you heal from hip replacement surgery at home.
Prepare in Advance
Before your operation, assess your current living situation to better adapt it for your recovery. Accessibility is crucial due to your limited mobility. Loose rugs, narrow doorways, and even uneven flooring are just a few obstacles. The bathroom is a very high-risk area for those recovering from hip replacement. Installing grab bars near the toilet and within the shower is vital to remaining safe. Additionally, adding a seat can help you bathe more easily.
Transform Your Living Room
As you recover, you’ll be spending much of your time in your living room, so it’s important to clear a path. Get rid of any clutter and tripping hazards. In addition, it’s not a bad idea to rearrange your furniture layout to minimize potential risks. Going upstairs is not only difficult but also not recommended. Climbing upstairs can put plenty of strain and weight on your hip, impeding your recovery. If you plan on using the upper levels of your house, consider looking into economic domestic lifts, as these lifts provide safe passage to the upstairs area without the risk of a slip and fall.
Unfortunately, slips and falls are among the most common household accidents. Installing a home lift is a fantastic way to eliminate the threat completely. One thing to note, however, is that home lifts are not exactly cheap. They can be quite expensive, depending on the model. You need to review your budget to see if you can invest. Furthermore, you will want to get the professional opinion of a home lift specialist to see if your home is compatible.
Take Advantage of Assistive Devices
The length of your recovery depends on various factors, such as the reason for and intensity of the operation. Either way, you will be temporarily impaired from doing certain activities, such as walking and reaching. This is why it’s important to invest in assistive devices, such as walkers, canes, wheelchairs, and grabbers.
Make Your Kitchen More Accessible
While you’ll need sustenance to help aid your recovery, you won’t be able to reach high places such as cabinets and the top shelf of your refrigerator. Any food or frequently used utensils should be moved to lower shelves and drawers. It’s also a good idea to invest in some grab-and-go foods. These foods can include pre-cut vegetables and fruit, snacks, pre-cooked fish, hard-boiled eggs, roasted chickpeas, and oatmeal cups.
