A little time spent getting your home ready before your surgery can make a big difference in your recovery. Here are some helpful hints for around the house:
Making Your Home 'Recovery Ready'
General Preparations
- Remove throw rugs and tack down loose carpeting
- Remove electrical cords, telephone cords, toys and other tripping hazards
- Fix or be aware of uneven flooring and surfaces
- Provide good lighting
- Cover slippery surfaces with carpets that have non-skid backs
- Place regularly used items such as remote controls, medications and reading materials in convenient and easy-to-reach locations
- If your mail is delivered to an outdoor box, contact your post office to request delivery to your door
Kitchen
- Stock up on canned and frozen foods
- Prepare meals ahead of time and freeze them
- Store food in a cupboard that’s waist to shoulder level
- Place frequently used cooking supplies, pots, pans, plates and utensils on the counter or where they can be easily reached
Bathroom
- Stock up on toilet paper, shampoo, toothpaste, medications and other personal items
- If your shower has doors, replace them temporarily with a curtain
- Put a chair in your shower
- Get a handheld shower head
- Get a raised toilet seat
- Get a shower sponge with a long handle
- Put handrails in the shower and next to the toilet
- Place a slip-proof mat in the shower
- Install a nightlight
Bedroom
- Set up your bed on the first floor if you can
- Wash all your towels, linens and dirty clothes
- Place loose clothing and pyjamas in waist- to shoulder-level drawers or closets
- Install a nightlight
Other
- Make sure you have easy access to a phone - consider using a cordless or cell phone
- Reachers and grabbers will come in handy
- A desk chair with wheels can make it easier to get around
- To keep your hands free to use for balance, consider using a walker basket, small backpack, or an apron with large pockets to hold things you'll want nearby
- Rent/buy/borrow plenty of books, movies, music, and puzzle books
