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Hip replacement tips

9 replies

LakeFlyPie · 28/02/2022 10:05

DM is having a hip replacement soon, she's got long handled grabber and raised toilet seat.
What else could we get to help in the post op recovery phase? Any tips gratefully received

OP posts:
fayebebaby · 28/02/2022 11:20

Perching stool for the kitchen stool for the shower raised chair for sitting on in the lounge. All available from occupational therapy in our area. I was assessed for what I needed and items delivered before the op. The perching stool for the kitchen was great somewhere to ‘ perch’ when making a drink or a sandwich. Also the stool for the shower much easier when sat down

PsychoSyd · 28/02/2022 11:26

If you're going to be driving her, then a plastic bag on the car seat. This will mean that she can 'swivel' her legs in and out, rather than 'twist', which will make it much easier for her to get in and out of the car.

Iwantacampervan · 28/02/2022 12:30

Good luck to your DM - I had my hip replaced just over a week ago. I was assessed in hospital by the OT and told what height chair I should be sitting on. I do have one at home with arms but I think one could have been provided as you can't sit on a squishy sofa especially one you sink into. The thing I have trouble with is putting on socks even with the grabber so I have to make sure that anything on my feet is loose, luckily I have a collection of old socks. In cars I have to have the seat right back to allow my leg to get in without bending - my friends have been very good but some cars are better than others!

Iwantacampervan · 28/02/2022 12:34

Also, I am not allowed to get my dressing wet yet so no showers - I'm managing to wash my hair by standing by the bath & bending slightly but it's not easy. If there's any way of hair washing like in a hairdressers (sitting back) then that would help.

StrongTea · 28/02/2022 12:45

If using sticks not crutches buy wrist straps to use with the sticks as if you drop them won’t be able to get hold of them. I could get in the car ok but was difficult to get out, car is high and needed something to step on to. Earplugs for hospital as really noisy.

FamilyAreEverything · 28/02/2022 12:49

All good advice above.

As a pp has already said, your DM should be assessed by an OT or physio prior to admission to check the height of her furniture including her bed and toilet, so that equipment can be provided to ensure that she will be safe at home on discharge.

A grabber is great, and if she’s not issued with one, a long handled shoehorn is essential. You can also purchase something called a SOXON, which helps with putting socks on. Skirts are easier than trousers in the early days, but avoid tights (too difficult to get on).

If she lives alone a trolley table can be helpful to bring meals from the kitchen to the dining table. A thermos mug is also a great help to bring hot drinks from the kitchen (she can carry it through in a cross shoulder bag whilst she’s still using crutches).

Once home, she’ll need encouragement to continue with the exercises provided by the physios on the ward. Patients often forget about the need to get their confidence back walking outside, so that’s always a good thing to do when you visit - perhaps a short walk up the drive, or a few doors down the road is all it takes.

A hip replacement is a life changing operation - all the best to your DM.

LakeFlyPie · 28/02/2022 15:23

Thanks so much for all of the advice.

She has had a call from the OT and has a few things on order, from reading your replies I think she has most things covered.

Fortunately she has my DDad at home who will cook and be nurse maid for a few weeks. She pretty independent so think she'll be raring to get going again!

Any little luxuries that you enjoyed / wished you'd had?

OP posts:
purdypuma · 01/03/2022 18:40

My mum had a hip op last year & found it useful to invest in an inflatable bath seat (think large space hopper!)that meant she could get in & out of the bath easier, cost 1k. She also had a booster cushion for the sofa which made her more comfortable & enabled her to get on & off the sofa with more ease.
Wider fitting slippers with a good solid sole help as a hip op can cause feet to swell. My mum has also found that once she was able to drive again a cushion on her seat was essential & also has a small piece of foam next to where the seat belt clicks to lock as otherwise it can rub against her hip op scar.

Littlewilts · 01/03/2022 19:18

Not for hip op, but knee replacement: My (older) mother did exercises pre-surgery to be as strong and fit as she could be for her recovery, and it really paid off.

Step-ups on bottom step of stairs, and press-ups leaning on the side of the bath/kitchen work top are the two she highly recommended, and surgeon said it helped as she had muscle strength.

Hope this helps.

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