Issue link: https://blog.providence.org/i/1256336
12 Hip Replacement: Have a firm, straight-backed chair with arm rests available at home for your use after surgery. Choose a chair that has adequate height, from which you can easily stand. Knee replacement: Consider a recliner chair or couch that you can easily elevate your leg above the level of your heart. Consider purchasing a long-handled grab tool/reacher to help pick-up items until you can safely stoop or bend. See page 30 Install and use night lights. PREPARE Y OUR BAT HROO M A raised toilet seat may be recommended (alternatively, a 3-in-1 bedside commode with armrests can also fit over a low toilet or be used as a shower seat). Consider installing grab bars to help with safe movement (DO NOT use towel racks for support). Disposable cleaning cloths are helpful until you can shower or take a bath. Make sure the path to the bathroom is well-lit. Night lights are recommended. Install safety treads or a non-skid mat in the tub and shower to help prevent falls. Make sure bath rugs are slip-resistant and water absorbent. Consider removing slider doors on bathtub enclosures to enlarge the entry and install a tension rod and shower curtain. A hand-held shower head with an ON/OFF switch is handy for bathing when using a bathtub bench/shower chair. A long-handled sponge helps clean hard-to-reach areas during bathing. PREPARE Y OUR BEDROOM Check the height of your bed. The mattress should be at least knee height. You should be able to get in and out of your bed easily. Consider preparing a sleeping area in your home's main entry level. Avoid sofa beds, waterbeds or futons; higher, supportive sleeping surfaces are recommended. Arrange easy-on/easy-off clothing in dresser drawers or closet shelves that are easy to reach (waist level) to limit bending and stooping after surgery. Velcro or elastic shoe laces are helpful to secure shoes instead of tying laces after surgery. You should still use soled shoes or slipper with a back. A sock aid and long-handled shoe horn assists putting on socks and shoes with less bending. See page 30