Get Your Home Ready for a Smooth Knee Replacement Recovery

If you’ve got knee replacement surgery on the horizon, chances are your mind is swirling with questions. While the surgery itself is top of mind, what about the recovery that follows? Trust me, knee replacement recovery is no walk in the park (literally or figuratively). But with a little prep work, you can set yourself up for a smooth recovery—starting with getting your home ready for your new, temporarily less mobile self.

So, let’s talk about how to prepare your home for knee replacement recovery and make things as easy and comfortable as possible.

Why Prepping Your Home is Crucial for Knee Replacement Recovery

Post-knee replacement surgery, your mobility is going to be pretty limited, especially in the first few weeks. Even walking short distances or getting up from a chair will take more effort than you’re used to. The good news? With a bit of planning, you can minimize the bumps in the road and focus on healing.

By getting your home ready, you’ll create an environment where everything you need is within reach and obstacles are reduced. After all, the less you have to navigate hazards like clutter or stairs, the smoother your knee replacement recovery will be.

Clear the Path (Literally)

First things first: take a good look at your home’s layout and start decluttering like you’re preparing for a minimalist convention.

• Remove Trip Hazards: Roll up rugs, move extension cords, and clear out any random furniture that could get in the way. You don’t want to be shuffling around and accidentally trip over that ottoman or, worse, the dog’s toy collection.
• Create Open Walkways: Arrange your furniture so that there’s plenty of space for you to move around easily with a walker or crutches. It’s going to take more room to maneuver than you think–you definitely don’t want to bump your surgical leg on anything!! Ouch!

Set Up a Knee Recovery Zone

Think of this like creating your own mini hospital room at home. You’re going to need a place to rest that’s easily accessible, comfortable, and well-stocked with all the essentials.

• Choose a Main Rest Area: Pick a space where you’ll spend most of your time recovering—whether it’s the living room or a guest room. Ideally, it should be on the first floor to avoid the dreaded stairs. Even though you will be able to do stairs, you probably won’t want to.
• Recliner or Elevated Chair: You’ll want a comfortable chair that’s easy to get in and out of—bonus points if it’s a recliner, that way you can elevate your leg easier, not to mention that many people choose the recliner as their bed for the first few days. Whatever chair you choose, it should have arms to help you push up when standing.
• Pillows for Elevation: Keep extra pillows around to prop up your leg. Elevating your leg can help reduce swelling and improve circulation, so make sure you’ve got enough cushions to keep your leg comfortably raised.

Bedroom and Bathroom Prep

Your bed and bathroom are two key areas where comfort and safety are essential. So, let’s make them surgery-recovery-friendly.

Bedroom Tips:

• Elevate the Bed: If your bed is too low, getting in and out will feel like a workout. You might want to consider raising it with bed risers, opting for a taller mattress, or possibly sleeping in the recliner for a few days.
• Nightstand Essentials: Keep your pain meds, water, snacks, phone, and a good book within arm’s reach. The last thing you want to do is hop on one leg across the room to grab your phone charger. Ok, that was a joke–never hop on one leg! Another great thing to have on the nightstand is a reacher, in case you drop something when you are in bed.

Bathroom Modifications:

The bathroom can be one of the trickiest areas to navigate post-knee replacement surgery, so a few modifications will go a long way.

• Install Grab Bars: Trying to sit down or stand up from the toilet after knee replacement surgery is a challenge without support. If you don’t have anything sturdy to help you, then consider adding grab bars in the shower and next to the toilet. Depending on your age, this might be a good investment in your future safety.
• Use a Shower Chair: A shower chair allows you to sit down while bathing, reducing your risk of slipping. It’s a small investment that offers big peace of mind.
• Handheld Showerhead: This one’s a game-changer. Being able to direct the water where you need it without having to move too much makes showering a lot easier.

Make Stairs Manageable

Stairs post-surgery? Not exactly your best friend. If you have a multi-level home, try to avoid them as much as possible. That means setting up your recovery zone, bedroom, and bathroom on the same floor if you can.

However, if stairs are unavoidable, here are a few tips:

• Install Handrails: Ensure that you have sturdy handrails on both sides of the stairs for extra support.
• Take it Slow: When climbing stairs, take them one at a time. Lead with your unoperated leg when going up and with your operated leg when going down (AKA – lead up with the good leg and down with the bad).

Stock Up on Essentials

You’ll want to avoid multiple trips to the store during your knee replacement recovery, so it’s a smart idea to stock up on essentials before surgery day. Here’s what to keep on hand:

• Comfort Food: Make sure you’ve got easy-to-prepare meals, healthy snacks, and comfort food. Freezing some pre-made meals in advance will be a lifesaver or better yet let your friends and family provide meals for the first few days after the surgery. This is a great way for them to feel like they are helping.
• Entertainment: You’ll likely be spending a lot of time resting, so stock up on books, download some audiobooks or podcasts, and definitely plan a few good Netflix binges.
• Medical Supplies: This includes bandages, ice packs, and any other doctor-recommended supplies. Keep them in your recovery zone so you don’t have to go searching for them.

Enlist Help

Even with the most perfectly prepped home, you’re still going to need help. Whether it’s family, friends, or a professional caregiver, having someone around for the first few days after surgery can make all the difference.

• Transportation: You won’t be able to drive for a while, so make sure you have someone available to take you to follow-up appointments or therapy sessions.
• Household Chores: Consider enlisting help with household tasks like cooking, cleaning, and laundry during your initial recovery. Even if you feel like you can manage, overdoing it early on can set your knee recovery back.

How to Mentally Prepare for Knee Replacement Recovery

Your home isn’t the only thing you’ll need to prepare for—your mind plays a big role too. Surgery and recovery can be challenging both physically and mentally, so it’s important to stay positive and patient.

• Set Realistic Expectations: Recovery takes time, and it’s normal to have good days and bad days. Take it one step (literally) at a time.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Whether it’s standing up without assistance or walking a few extra steps, recognize and celebrate your progress.

Preparing your home for knee replacement recovery is a vital step in your healing journey. By taking the time to create a safe, comfortable environment, you’re setting yourself up for success. Embrace this opportunity to heal, focus on your ‘new’ knee, and enjoy the support of loved ones as you embark on your path to recovery. With the right preparations and hard work, a pain-free, active lifestyle is within reach! Good luck on your knee journey!

If you have any questions about recovering from knee replacement surgery, feel free to reach out to us at recover@thegoknee.com. As experienced physical therapists who specialize in knee replacement recovery, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Learn more at www.thegoknee.com – we’d love to support you on your recovery journey!