A little time spent getting your home ready before your surgery can make a big difference in your recovery. Here are some helpful hints for around the house:

House in general

• Remove throw rugs and tack down loose carpeting
• Remove electrical cords, telephone cords, toys, and other tripping hazards
• Fix or be aware of uneven flooring and surfaces
• Provide good lighting
• Cover slippery surfaces with carpets that have nonskid backs
• Place regularly used items such as remote controls, medications, and reading materials in convenient and easy-to-reach locations
• If your mail is delivered to an outdoor box, contact your post office to request delivery to your door

Kitchen

• Stock up on canned and frozen foods
• Prepare meals ahead of time and freeze them
• Store food in a cupboard that’s waist to shoulder level
• Place frequently used cooking supplies, pots, pans, plates, and utensils on the counter or where they can be easily reached

Bathroom

• Stock up on toilet paper, shampoo, toothpaste, medications, and other personal items
• If your shower has doors, replace them temporarily with a curtain
• Put a chair in your shower
• Get a handheld shower head
• Get a raised toilet seat
• Get a shower sponge with a long handle
• Put handrails in the shower and next to the toilet
• Place a slip-proof mat in the shower
• Install a nightlight

Bedroom

• Set up your bed on the first floor if you can
• Wash all your towels, linens, and dirty clothes
• Place loose clothing and pajamas in waist- to shoulder-level drawers or closets
• Install a nightlight

Other

• Make sure you have easy access to a phone - consider using a cordless or cell phone
• Reachers and grabbers will come in handy
• A desk chair with wheels can make it easier to get around
• To keep your hands free to use for balance, consider using a walker basket, fanny pack, small backpack, or an apron with large pockets to hold things you'll want nearby
• Rent/buy/borrow plenty of books, movies, music, and puzzle books