Safety and accessibility in your living space is key for a successful recovery. Being an occupational therapist and having undergone multiple surgeries myself, I have complied a list of tips and recommendations to aid preparation for surgery. These may also be beneficial for individuals who have pain or decreased mobility from hip dysplasia, even if they are not having surgery:
Remove rugs, cords, or other tripping hazards:
Make sure to remove tripping hazards to prevent falls. Examples of hazards to look for include:
- Removing rugs and floor mats, especially if they are thick or do not have a non-skid bottom.
- Placing thin, non-skid mats on floors that may be slippery (ex. vinyl, hardwood, laminate, and tile). These may be especially helpful in the bathroom and house entryways, particularly if you live in an area with lots of rain and snow. If wet, it is a good idea to dry the tips of your mobility devices on a mat before walking across the floor.
- Avoid running cords and chargers across areas where you are going to be walking.
- Looking for small children and pets before turning or stepping.
Clear clutter:
Clear clutter from your living space to prevent tripping and falling.
clear, wide paths will also make it easier to move around your home, especially if you are using a walker or wheelchair after surgery.
Safe Entrances/Exits:
Entering and exiting the home can be challenging for individuals with hip pain and decreased mobility, especially after surgery. Planning and practicing how to get into your house before surgery is beneficial. For instance, you may want to practice going up and down stairs using mobility aids before surgery. If you are using crutches, it is generally safer to use one crutch and a sturdy handrail instead of two crutches. A sturdy handrail can also be safest even when you are using a cane or if you are walking without assistance but would like something to hold onto for a little extra support. If your home does not have a handrail along a staircase, you may want to consider having one professionally installed before surgery, if possible.
If you have any concerns about being able to safety enter or exit your home, ask your surgeon or others on your medical team if you can consult with an occupational or physical therapist prior to surgery to help problem-solve, determine additional equipment or home modification needs, and to train you and your caregivers on how to help you get safely in and out of your home.
Bathroom Safety:
Slip and fall risk can be increased in the bathroom due to tight spaces and slippery surfaces. Adaptive equipment for bathing and toileting may be helpful for safety, comfort, and independence during your recovery.
Depending on your bathroom set-up, a shower chair or tub bench with rails can help you get safely in and out of the shower or bathtub. These are especially helpful if you are not allowed to put full weight on your leg.
A raised toilet seat can make it easier to get on and off the toilet, especially if you are not allowed to fully bend your hip or if you have a lot of pain. Toilet safety rails can also be used. This is a frame that goes around the toilet and provides handrail support to get on and off the toilet. A commode can also be used over the toilet and provides a raised toilet seat surface and includes handrails for additional support. A commode can also be used bedside and may be an option for the first few days after surgery, especially if you have significant pain, pain medication side effects like dizziness or drowsiness, and limited mobility. Some patients like having this option for toileting in the middle of the night early after surgery, especially if they have difficulty moving quickly or have impaired balance when tired or when taking pain medications.
Towel racks or toilet paper holders should not be used as grab bars when getting on and off the toilet or in and out of the shower, as they are not designed for weight-bearing and may not be secured well enough for this purpose. Temporary grab bars that are available commercially may risk loosening or falling off when you grab them. Home modifications like adding grab bars to the shower or bathroom walls often aren’t needed for individuals after surgery, but can be considered for individuals who have long-term mobility challenges. If you are thinking about more permanent home modifications, consider discussing them with your surgeon, physical therapist, or occupational therapist and having them installed professionally to maximize safety and security.
Lighting:
Good lighting in your house can be very important to prevent injury and for overall safety. Lighting can be especially valuable when getting up in the middle of the night. Make sure you have a lamp or light switch within reach of where you are sleeping so you can turn on a light before getting up. It may also be helpful to have small lamps or night lights placed in dark areas of your home to provide additional lighting if you need to move around your home at night. This may be especially helpful in hallways and bathrooms.
Keep your phone within reach:
Be sure your phone is always nearby in case of an emergency or even if you just need a little help or support. There may be times when you need help getting up from your bed or chair, or you may not feel well and would like some assistance. Additionally, it is important to keep your doctor’s office number handy in case you have any concerns post-surgery.
Keep frequently used items within reach:
This is an important tip especially immediately following surgery. Although it is good to get up and move throughout your day, having your frequently used items within reach can help reduce the risk of falling or putting weight on your leg if you have weight-bearing restrictions. For example, if you are in the kitchen, consider moving your most frequently used items on countertops instead of cabinets to avoid the need for climbing or reaching. When you are in your bed or in a chair, have items within reach so you do not have to constantly get up to retrieve them.
Some items that you may find helpful to keep nearby include:
- Phone
- Long-cable phone charger
- Small lamp
- Television remote control
- Headphones
- Water bottle
- Extra blankets and pillows
- Tissues
- A grabber.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help:
If you have someone helping you during your recovery, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. It is better to receive help rather than risking injury or increased pain.
Wishing you a safe and healthy recovery!
~Kait Williams, MSOTR/L
The information on the Miles4Hips website is meant for informational purposes only. While our goals are to promote understanding and knowledge of hip dysplasia and to empower patients and their families in healthcare decision making, we cannot guarantee accuracy or appropriateness of the information for your specific condition or circumstances. The information on this site is not meant to take the place of the professional judgment of your medical providers. Individuals should always seek the advice of your physician/surgeon, physical therapists, and other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment. Individuals should never disregard the advice of your medical providers or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.