For those who can, setting the home up for the recovery process prior to have surgery is crucial. There are things to be done ahead of time to ensure everything is set up for success.
Think “Easy”
When arranging the house for returning post-surgery, think of what you can do to simplify things. Ideally, you should try to limit the use of the stairs to once per day. To this end, it’s a good idea to move everything you need to be using on a day-to-day basis to the first floor, and perhaps even make a temporary bedroom downstairs.
Bedroom
When setting up the bedroom for coming back home, make sure that the bed is low enough that when sitting on the edge of it, you are able to touch the floor. This is incredibly important, because the last thing you need after a joint replacement surgery is having to climb on a bed that’s too high.
Bathroom
The toilet seat may need to be raised to avoid having to flex one’s knees. You can also use a commode chair instead of a regular toilet. Another good idea may be installing safety bars to avoid slipping and falling. Don’t grab onto towel racks, as those are not made to support a person’s body weight. Other things that may help are non-slip suction mats, as well as non skid bath mats outside the tub.
Kitchen
When it comes to the kitchen, the most important thing is ensuring that you can reach all the needed items without having to climb on things, as that will prove to be quite difficult after the surgery. As such, moving items within reach as much as possible is a great idea. Also, getting some frozen meals ready makes sense in this case, in order to avoid having to cook, which requires standing up for long periods of time. Canned food is another great alternative, as well as having a few menus from places where one can have their food delivered.
A Care Plan That Is Thorough and Complete
When you are recovering from orthopedic surgery, it is common to need multiple treatment types and options. When you are at the Recovery Inn, you have access to all of the elements of your care plan in one place. This makes it easier for you to get the treatment that you need to fully recover from what is ailing you. You also have easy access to medical staff if you have questions during your recovery.
The Recovery Inn is located on the campus of the Orthopedic & Sports Institute in Appleton (OSI). It was the first orthopedics-only recovery facility in the nation attached to a surgery center. At OSI, you can have your surgery and rehab without leaving the building. Physical and occupational therapy take place steps from your room.
For more information or to schedule a tour, please call 920-560-1000.