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 to help avoid falls
• Remove electrical cords, telephone cords, toys, and other tripping hazards
• 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

Kitchen

• Stock up on canned and frozen foods
• Prepare meals ahead of time and freeze them
• Store food in a cupboard that's at waist 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
• Place a slip-proof mat in the shower
• Install a nightlight

Bedroom

• Wash all your towels, linens, and dirty clothes
• Place loose clothing and pajamas in waist-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
• Avoid clothes that you need to pull over your head; loose-fitting clothes that open in the front will make getting dressed easier
• Rent/buy/borrow plenty of books, movies, music, and puzzle books