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After recovering from surgery, you will need to concentrate on adapting to your new knee and getting back to your daily activities. The rehabilitation time for a total knee replacement typically lasts twelve weeks. However, for some it can extend to six months. Since you are likely to spend most of this time at home, it is important that you prepare your living area to better accommodate the process.
Preparing your home in advance will make things easier and more comfortable. In the weeks before surgery, you will want to evaluate your living environment and make the necessary modifications and adjustments.
Clear the Hallways
First, make sure you have a clear path to navigate hallways and rooms. You may need to move furniture and objects to make it easier to move around.
Stay Downstairs
If you have a multi-story house, consider creating a temporary bedroom on the first floor. Avoiding the stairs will reduce your chances of strain or injury.
Remove Rugs
Remove throw rugs and area rugs that could cause you to slip and fall if you catch the tip of a cane, crutch or walker on them. Make sure carpeting is secure and that no ripples or ridges exist.
Clear Cords
Secure all power and phone cords so that they don’t pose a tripping hazard.
Secure Handrails
Verify that the handrails on stairs and in the showers are in good condition and secured to the walls or posts for safety. Install handrails wherever needed before your surgery so that when you come home, you will have assistance when moving about.
Nightlights
You might be used to getting around your house in the middle of the night without anything other than the moonlight, but during recovery you can’t take too many precautions. Add nightlights that plug into outlets in the wall, particularly in your bed-
room and bathrooms.
Organize
Clutter and disorganized areas can present unneeded stress and make it hard to move around smoothly. Eliminate clutter and clear floors, tabletops, counters, and other areas. Make sure your clothes and necessities are reachable from closets and cabinets.
Shower and Bathroom Safety
Consider installing a handrail or grab bar in your shower and next to your toilet. You might also want to place a bench in your shower and an elevated toilet seat or a riser. These devices will make it easier and more comfortable to move around in the bathroom. They also reduce the risk of a fall.
Consider installing a handrail or grab bar in your shower and next to your toilet. You might also want to place a bench in your shower and an elevated toilet seat or a riser. These devices will make it easier and more comfortable to move around in the bathroom. They also reduce the risk of a fall.
Less Stress = Smoother Recovery
Your efforts to minimize stress will likely go a long way towards achieving a successful recovery. As your mobility and flexibility improves you can slowly return your home back to normal.
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