| After hip surgery there are things you can do to help | | | | Set up a central place where you can be comfortable |
| make your recovery easier and safer. | | | | when not resting in bed. Get an arm chair that has a |
| Getting in and out of the car can be a painful and | | | | firm, higher than normal seat cushion, or a riser. This |
| laborious process because it requires some twisting | | | | is safer, more comfortable than a low, soft chair and |
| and turning as well as lifting the affected leg. The | | | | easier to push up out of. Make sure your cane or |
| first time you'll be getting in the car is when leaving | | | | walker is within easy reach. |
| the hospital or skilled nursing center. A car swivel seat | | | | Have a table within reach with a pitcher of water, a |
| is a really great help for easing in and out of the car | | | | glass, tissues, waste paper basket the TV remote, |
| with a minimum of twisting. A handy bar device also | | | | telephone and reading material. If you are not near |
| gives you something sturdy to hold on to. Have | | | | the toilet, a urinal might also come in very handy to |
| these items in your car at the time you leave the | | | | help avoid accidents. |
| hospital if at all possible. They can be ordered on the | | | | In the bedroom, also have the above items on a |
| internet and only take a couple of days to receive. | | | | nightstand as well as any required medication. A |
| Before coming home the house should be free of | | | | bicycle horn comes in real handy to honk for help |
| loose throw rugs, including the bath mats in the | | | | from you caregiver. Unless you live in a mansion, it |
| bathroom. Speaking of which, we all know many | | | | can be heard all over the house. |
| accidents happen in the bathroom. After hip surgery | | | | If you find your recovery is taking a little longer than |
| you may need a bench in the shower and some | | | | expected ( as we did) and you are using a |
| temporary grab bars. Depending on the size of the | | | | wheelchair, don't forget to get a temporary |
| shower door opening you might want a bench seat | | | | handicapped parking sticker. This is really a godsend |
| that swivels to get you legs in the door. Also, a | | | | for the caregiver who is lifting the chair in and out of |
| raised toilet seat with side rails, that attach to the | | | | the car. |
| bowl is a real necessity in order to avoid too much | | | | If you follow these helpful hints, you should be |
| bending of the affected hip. In the shower, a long | | | | reasonably independent and on the way to a speedy |
| handled sponge is great for washing the feet as well | | | | recovery. Make sure that you do not push yourself |
| as your back.Getting dressed will be a little tricky for | | | | harder than what you doctor or physical therapists |
| the first few weeks after surgery. Use aids like a | | | | recommends but don't slack off either. |
| long-handled shoe horn and a grabbing tool or reacher | | | | For additional resources and places to find helpful, |
| to put on shoes and socks so as not to bend over | | | | inexpensive gadgets to help you regain your mobility |
| too far. | | | | and independence, please visit my website. |