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Hip Replacement: What You Need To Know Part 4
So you have just had your Total Hip Replacement and will be returning home soon, if you do not transfer to an Inpatient Rehabilitation Center first. The benefits of returning home are that you can sleep in your own bed without the daily distractions that you would have to deal with in a Rehab Center. But you better be sure that you can safely navigate your home environment before you opt out of going to Rehab, because if not, you may end up falling at home and returning to the hospital needing a hip revision surgery or a hip surgery on the other side due to a fracture.
Inpatient Rehab is beneficial because you will usually receive at least 5 hours of therapy each week. On the other hand, if you return home, you may only receive Home Therapy 2-3 hours a week. When your return home approaches, you will want to be proactive in preparing your environment. You may also want to enlist the help of friends or family members for cooking, shopping, housekeeping, laundry and bathing assistance.
You may have to make modifications in your home in order to maximize your safety. Grab bars positioned in your shower will assist you in entering and exiting. I do not advise the suction cup grab bars as they may loosen from time to time.
If you live in a multi-story home, you will want to consider railings along the staircases.
Following your hip surgery, you will most likely have difficulty transferring out of a chair, so an elevated seat (multiple pillows) with armrests and a firm cushion is preferred.
You will also want to consider an elevated toilet seat so that your knees will remain lower than your hips (Total Hip Precaution). The Total Hip Precautions should be followed for at least 6 weeks after surgery, depending on your surgeon's orders.
You may purchase a shower chair so that you are at less risk of slipping in the tub.
A removeable showerhead will also be beneficial.
For dressing, consider buying a long handle shoe horn and sock aid so that you will not have to overly flex at your hips.
A reacher will help you pick objects off the floor if you drop something.
Don't forget to remove all throw rugs and loose electrical cords that may be in the walk ways, as these are trip hazards.
Some people set up a single area in their home where they will spend most of their time. This area will have the telephone, television remote, medications, bottled water, books/magazines, etc..
If you are unsteady when walking, a 3-in-1 commode can be placed by your bed so that it can be used throughout the night if you need to use the bathroom. It can also be placed over the toilet (after removing the basin) to elevate the seat or in the shower as a shower chair.
As insurance companies are covering less equipment nowadays, you may have to purchase most of the above mentioned equipment online or at a local medical supply store, Walgreens, CVS, Home Depot or Walmart.
Inpatient Rehab is beneficial because you will usually receive at least 5 hours of therapy each week. On the other hand, if you return home, you may only receive Home Therapy 2-3 hours a week. When your return home approaches, you will want to be proactive in preparing your environment. You may also want to enlist the help of friends or family members for cooking, shopping, housekeeping, laundry and bathing assistance.
You may have to make modifications in your home in order to maximize your safety. Grab bars positioned in your shower will assist you in entering and exiting. I do not advise the suction cup grab bars as they may loosen from time to time.
If you live in a multi-story home, you will want to consider railings along the staircases.
Following your hip surgery, you will most likely have difficulty transferring out of a chair, so an elevated seat (multiple pillows) with armrests and a firm cushion is preferred.
You will also want to consider an elevated toilet seat so that your knees will remain lower than your hips (Total Hip Precaution). The Total Hip Precautions should be followed for at least 6 weeks after surgery, depending on your surgeon's orders.
You may purchase a shower chair so that you are at less risk of slipping in the tub.
A removeable showerhead will also be beneficial.
For dressing, consider buying a long handle shoe horn and sock aid so that you will not have to overly flex at your hips.
A reacher will help you pick objects off the floor if you drop something.
Don't forget to remove all throw rugs and loose electrical cords that may be in the walk ways, as these are trip hazards.
Some people set up a single area in their home where they will spend most of their time. This area will have the telephone, television remote, medications, bottled water, books/magazines, etc..
If you are unsteady when walking, a 3-in-1 commode can be placed by your bed so that it can be used throughout the night if you need to use the bathroom. It can also be placed over the toilet (after removing the basin) to elevate the seat or in the shower as a shower chair.
As insurance companies are covering less equipment nowadays, you may have to purchase most of the above mentioned equipment online or at a local medical supply store, Walgreens, CVS, Home Depot or Walmart.
