Embarking on the journey of knee replacement surgery comes with its unique challenges, and the key to a successful recovery lies in meticulous home preparation. In this brief guide, we'll delve into specific tips tailored for knee surgery recovery, ensuring that your home becomes a comforting sanctuary during this transformative period.
Knee Replacement Recovery Time
The recovery timeline for knee replacement surgery typically spans around 6 weeks. Therefore, having a clear grasp of this duration is crucial for planning, prepping, and organizing your living space and daily schedule accordingly.
Recovery Area
Designate a specific area for rest and recovery, ensuring it’s easily accessible. Consider using a recliner or adding cushions to your bed to provide adequate support for your healing knee.
Ensure that you have necessary/everyday items near your chair or bedside to reduce movement. Some of those items may include: phone, charger, tissues, medications, water, snacks, book, remote.
Clear Pathways
Remove any potential obstacles or clutter to create clear pathways throughout your living space. Allow 3 feet of space between furniture to allow walker to fit through smaller areas.
Additionally, removing unnecessary furniture, rugs, and/or electric wires will decrease risk of tripping or falling after surgery.
Fall Prevention Equipment
Investing in the right equipment can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and support the healing process. Adding non-slip mats and grab bars strategically throughout key areas of the home, especially in bathrooms, is a great way to provide added stability and safety. Other prevention methods include non-slip socks, nightlights, a raised toilet seat to reduce bending of the knee, and covering outside steps with a ramp.
Having various assistive devices throughout the home during initial stages of recovery is another great method post-surgery. This could include crutches or a walker. Strategically placing them in various areas of your home is a great way to facilitate easy mobility, depending on the size of the room.
Knee Elevation Stations
Have ice packs readily available in the freezer for regular use. Designate stations equipped with cushions or pillows for elevating your knee to manage swelling and discomfort effectively.
Meal Preparation
Prepare meals in advance and freeze them for convenience. Alternatively, explore meal delivery services to ensure a healthy, stress-free recovery.
Support from Friends and Family
Ask for help for added support. Knee surgery is no easy task, so having family or friends to help you during recovery is a great way to ease the process. Having someone around to assist with daily tasks such as chores, cooking, grocery shopping, bathing, changing, going up or down stairs, helping with the kids, etc. is a great way to allow you to focus on healing.
NeeHab Devices During Recovery
Once you are cleared to begin rehabilitation of the knee, NeeHab is the ultimate device to rehab at home, improving flexion and extension of your knee. Learn more about how NeeHab can help today.
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