Total joint replacement home safety checklist

To make your recovery at home after surgery safe, comfortable, and easier, we recommend you use this checklist to prepare your home. If you have more specific questions, an occupational therapist can help.

Adaptive or Durable Medical Equipment (DME) can make your life easier and safer. See the Adaptive Equipment and Durable Medical Equipment (DME) resource list for where the equipment can be found or purchased.

* Adaptive equipment options.

Entries and hallways:

• Ensure good lighting outside your entrance
• Choose an entrance that minimizes stairs to navigate with your adaptive device
• Consider adding a handrail
• Remove throw rugs or use carpet tape along edges
• Create wide, clear paths in high traffic areas (bedroom, bathroom, kitchen)
• Ensure your walker fits through doorways, in your bathroom (you may need a cane to transition to in smaller areas)

Bathroom:

• Reduce tripping hazards (remove throw rugs)
• Location: Is it on the same level as your bedroom? If no, consider staying on the same level as a bathroom for the first few days of your recovery or use a bedside / 3-in-1 commode*
• Is the door wide enough for your walker? You may need to use a cane or crutches in the bathroom
• Toilet height matters, the higher the surface, the easier it is to sit/stand from
  Posterior Approach precautions require a 3-in-1 commode/raised toilet seat*
• Reduce fall risk in your bathroom, tub or shower:
  Add non-skid mat
  Consider a shower chair or tub transfer bench*
  Install grab bars* if possible wall grab bar, tub grab bar that attaches to the side of the tub, universal floor to ceiling grab bar)
  Consider a long-handled sponge* and/or a handheld shower* so you can wash while remaining seated

Seating:

• Sit in chairs that you can get out of easily, ideally with arm rests.
  Furniture risers* can be used to elevate a favorite, but low, sofa or bed. Choose a firm, straight-back chair with armrests
  Add a foam cushion* or folded blanket to the seat if you need to raise yourself up
• Consider setting up “rest stations” in high traffic areas of your home

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs):

• Keep frequently used items within easy reach to avoid unnecessary reaching or bending
• Always carry a cellphone with you, also make sure your caregiver has theirs as well
• Consider adding a caddy or bag to your walker*
• Meals:
  Arrange for help with your meals and groceries (freeze pre-made dinners before surgery, stock up on non-perishable foods)
• Clothing:
  Chose secure shoes with a heel/back and a non-skid sole to wear to the surgery center/at home
  Choose loose fitting, comfortable clothing to fit over bandages and swelling
  Have a few weeks of clean clothes available at home
  Set-up help with cleaning and laundry
  Consider a reacher*, sock aid*, and/or a long-handled shoehorn* to help aide with dressing

Children and pets:

Plan to keep small children or pets in another area of the house when you arrive home after surgery.

Other safety tips:

• Take naps, getting as much rest as possible helps with your recovery
• Energy conservation principles “work smarter, not harder”; take frequent breaks as you resume activity
• Hydrate and eat a balanced diet
• Do not drive until your surgeon tells you it is okay to do so Do not drive while taking narcotic medications

Learn more

If you have more specific questions about individualized needs or home environments, an occupational therapist can help. Please let your orthopedic team know you would like to speak with an occupational therapist before surgery.