Years ago, joint replacement surgeries were considered “hi-tech”, but in today’s world it is very common! In fact, doctors perform more than one million joint replacement surgeries every year in the United States. Studies show that the surgeries are successful in easing pain and improving mobility for most, but there is a recovery period.
Recovery time for a knee replacement surgery can be anywhere from 3 to 6 months. During that time the knee needs to be elevated and ice. It can be swollen and tender and medication may be needed to help deal with inflation. Recovery time for a hip replacement can be anywhere from 6 to 12 months. The time to heal varies by patient but getting up and around is crucial.
Recovery time can be incredibly difficult if your home is not prepared for your return. LiveWell has compiled a list of products that can help to make life easier while in recovery:
BATHROOM REMODELING TO INCLUDE A ZERO-ENTRY SHOWER, GRAB BARS, AND WHEELCHAIR ACCESSIBLE VANITIES
- While recovering from a knee or hip replacement, it may become clear that modifications need to be made to the home. Installing a raised toilet seat with arms can make it easier for the patient to lower themselves down. A zero-entry shower that has no threshold is very helpful because it removes any tripping hazard. Wheelchairs can also be rolled into the shower. Wheelchair accessible vanities can be installed that allow for the wheelchair to roll underneath and the patient is able to safely use the sink without leaving their chair.
- Grab bars help to sustain balance and prevent falls and injuries and should be installed in the shower and beside toilets. Standing grab bars are a great solution beside beds and when there are glass shower doors and no good location for mounting a traditional grab bar.
- Even after knee or hip replacement surgery, stairs might be difficult to climb. Oftentimes, certain areas of the home become off limits because they simply aren’t accessible. Navigating the stairs and maintaining accessibility to all rooms of the home does not have to be a difficult process. Adding a stairlift to the home removes any mobility barriers. The stairlift moves on a track up and down the stairs. The seat has a seatbelt and is controlled by a device on the arm rest.
- Just like with a stairlift, adding an in-home elevator removes any barrier to accessing all levels of the home, but with more style! Elevators add a sense of elegance and luxury to any home. There are several types of elevators that can be used. Standard residential elevators require a pit and an elevator shaft. LiveWell’s innovative through-the-floor home lifts require no elevator shaft and can be freestanding. An inclined or vertical platform lift is perfect for accessibility for wheelchair users. Vertical platform lifts can be used indoor or outdoor and have an open platform. They take up less space than a ramp.
- Especially during recovery after surgery, entering and exiting may become a problem if there are stairs or uneven, rough terrain. A ramp can remove any barriers to entry and provide a safer way to enter and exit. Ramps come in all shapes and sizes and are custom fitted to the home. They can be made out of wood or metal, depending on the patient’s needs.
- Lift Chairs are used for patients who struggle to raise and lower themselves from a seated position without help. They ensure that patients can sit and stand in a safe, controlled manner without a caregiver’s help to reduce the risk of falls or related injuries. This also helps to enhance the patient’s sense of independence and normalcy as long as possible. The comfort and safety aspect of the chair allows for patients to be comfortable while maximizing pain relief.
While recovery from a knee or hip replacement surgery can take time, LiveWell and our wide variety of products can help to ensure that mobility isn’t an issue. Our products and services can make any room in the home safer and more accessible for those that are recovering. Contact us today to schedule a free in-home consultation. Our team of experts can evaluate the home and provide a thorough proposal of all available options.
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