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Preparing Your Home After Knee Replacement

Aug 16, 2016

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Your orthopedic surgeon will tell you how to care for your incision following knee replacement surgery. However, he or she may not tell you how to get your home ready for your recovery.

Most patients need 12 weeks to recover from a knee replacement. However, that time frame can extend as long as six months if you have complications or an unusual case.

Since most of your recovery time will take place at home, consider making a few simple modifications to your house so you get back on your feet quickly and safely. Here are some things to do before you head to Peconic Bay Medical Center  for knee-replacement surgery.

Clear the way

Make sure you have a clear path through your home. Clear walking paths of clutter and things you could trip over. You may even need to move furniture to make it easier to get around. And definitely remove throw rugs as they pose a serious fall hazard. It's very easy to snag the tip of a walker or cane in a rug and take a fall. You should also secure phone and power cords so you don't trip on them.

Move downstairs

If your house is on more than one level, you may need to create a temporary bedroom on the main floor. You may not have to sleep downstairs for the duration of your recovery, but you'll probably need to for the first few weeks. Trying to negotiate stairs immediately following surgery increases the risk of injury.

Put things within easy reach

Make sure your clothes and toiletries are within easy reach so you don't have to stretch and strain. Put your favorite foods in the front of the fridge or pantry, and get plates and glasses down from high cabinets so you don't need a stool to reach these items.

Install handrails

If you already have handrails in your shower or bathroom, ensure they're firmly secured to the walls. If you don't have handrails, consider installing them temporarily. You can purchase high quality handrails and grab bars that attach via suction cups at most medical supply stores.

Turn on lights

If you're accustomed to getting up at night, make sure the path to the bathroom or kitchen is well lit. Either leave a lamp on or purchase inexpensive night lights that plug into electrical outlets.

Setting up your home beforehand will greatly reduce your stress following surgery and help you recover faster. For more tips about post-surgical care, please contact our Joint Replacement Center today.