Hip and knee surgeries are an increasingly common part of the aging process. Whether you are having an elective surgery due to arthritis and joint degeneration or your surgery is required due to trauma or a fall, the surgery requires temporary adjustments to your lifestyle and home environment. The Pope Institute Retirement Life by Design™ – Living Well Toolkit 10-Steps to Preparing Your Life & Home for a Hip or Knee Surgery will help you function better, focus on recovery, and better navigate your home environment with greater ease and safety.
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1). If your surgery is elective, schedule and attend a “pre-operative patient education class.” During this class (before your surgery) you will be informed of typical therapy procedures, activities, equipment needs, and expectations of recovery.
2). Purchase any recommended adaptive equipment and gadgets from a freestanding home health supply store. Adaptive equipment purchased at the hospital is typically more expensive. A home health supply store should stock the adaptive equipment and medical equipment you need or have the ability to order and receive it within a few days.
3). After surgery, your feet are likely to swell. Firm shoes such as loafers, snug fitting tennis shoes, and shoes with laces will make it difficult for you to use footwear. Consider slightly larger, lighter weight and sturdy slip-on shoes that cover your heel completely and securely but do not impede circulation. Such shoes will help with your balance, will be easier to move in, and will prevent the feeling of heaviness that can contribute to the risk of falling. Your family can purchase these before or after surgery.
4). Complete a home safety checklist (see the Retirement Life by Design™ – Living Well Toolkit Home Safety and Fall Prevention Checklist). In short, remove obstacles that present a fall risk.
5). Make alternative arrangements for meals. After a knee or hip replacement or surgery, standing for prolonged lengths of time is difficult. Preparing warm meals “from scratch” may be an unnecessary challenge. Talk with family members, neighbors, and friends, about stocking your refrigerator with meals or having fresh home cooked meals delivered to you.
