Preparing Your Home for Your Return After Knee Replacement Surgery

Are you getting ready for knee replacement surgery? You’re in good company. Nearly 1 million American adults get a knee replaced every year, and over 90% of them experience significantly less pain and better mobility after the procedure.

Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Kwan (Kevin) Jun Park, MD, specializes in restoring knee function and easing joint pain through total and partial knee replacements at his private practice in Houston, Texas. 

Dr. Park also knows that the key to a successful recovery after knee replacement surgery begins by getting your home ready for your return. Here’s a look at our top tips on how to prepare your home for your recuperation. 

Plan for your recovery before your surgery

Just as recovering from knee replacement surgery doesn’t happen overnight, it takes time to get your home ready for post-procedure life. By planning ahead, you can help ensure a smoother recovery. 

Don’t wait until after your knee surgery to make changes to your home. Before your procedure, go through your home and look for any problem areas. 

Since you won’t be able to get around easily for some time after your surgery, you might need to move into a different part of your home for a short period. Being located close to the restroom is usually key. 

Make your home as safe to reduce your risk of falling

You’ll need to use a walker or another assistive device following your surgery, and you won’t be able to move your leg normally for some time. This means items such as area rugs and crowded floor spaces become dangerous, increasing your risk of a fall or injury. 

Make your home as safe as possible by:

• Removing all area rugs
• Creating wider walkways by removing clutter and extra furniture
• Moving extension cords and plugs away from walkways
• Wearing non-slip socks or adding texture to slippery surfaces
• Having a non-slip bath mat ready 

You should put night lights in places like the bathroom and hallway so you can move without tripping at night. And consider installing a temporary handrail in the shower and near the toilet to make it easier to bathe and use the restroom.

Organize your supplies ahead of time

Before your surgery, organize your supplies so they’re easy for you to reach or access after your knee replacement. Think about the things you do on a daily basis and how you can arrange your items to make your life as easy as possible.

For example, put your bathroom toiletries on a low shelf near the bathtub or in a waterproof carrying case you can easily bring to the shower. Keep any supplies needed to protect your knee when you bathe in one convenient spot in the bathroom.

Surround the area where you’ll spend most of your recovery time with the things you use most often. Group similar items together to make getting what you need easy. 

For example, put your laptop, tablet, phone, and chargers in an easy-to-reach basket. And you may want to have a dedicated spot for your water bottle and any medications.

Prep meals in advance

Whether you live alone or with family and friends, planning for post-surgery meals before your procedure makes it easier on you and your support team to get healthy food during your recovery. 

Good nutrition is key to an effective and problem-free recovery. By prepping snacks and meals in advance, the foods you grab after your knee replacement will support your health. 

For example, you might look for several make-ahead recipes you can reheat easily when it’s time to eat. Since anesthesia and pain medications make constipation a common problem after any type of surgery, include high-fiber foods like fruits and vegetables and whole grains.

Say yes to helping hands

When your friends or family members offer to help you after your knee replacement, don’t think twice about saying yes. By allowing the people who care for you to bring in the mail, run errands, get you supplies, or help you dress (especially in the days immediately after your surgery), you can stay focused on your recovery.

Line up a driver or two to help you get to your follow-up appointments or other appointments you may have. And if you live by yourself, think about hiring someone to help with cleaning and other household chores for a few weeks.

Do you have more questions about prepping your space for recovery after surgery? Request an appointment by calling our Houston, Texas, office.