If you plan to recover at home from hip replacement surgery, then you'll want to have all the equipment in place that you'll need before you come home from the hospital. Your insurance coverage will pay for some items, and others you may need to pay for yourself, especially the things you want for the sake of convenience. You don't always have to buy medical equipment, you may be able to rent it for a month at a time since you'll need it for the short term. Here are some pieces of medical equipment that may come in handy:
Hospital Bed
You'll probably want to set up a bed downstairs at least for a few weeks so you won't have to climb stairs until you've recovered. Even if your bedroom is already downstairs, you may want a hospital bed set up in the family room or living room so you won't be isolated in your room while you rest. A hospital bed is ideal during recovery because it is adjustable. You can adjust the height so your feet are flat on the floor when you sit on the side of the bed for stability. You can also elevate the foot for increased comfort or raise the head for watching TV or eating.
Bedside Commode
Having a toilet near your bed is a good idea. You'll probably be moving pretty slowly after your surgery so you don't want to force yourself to hurry to the bathroom and risk falling. Plus, it will be safer when you need to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night if all you have to do is transfer to a bedside commode rather than stumble to the bathroom when you're still half asleep. Adding an elevated toilet seat is helpful too as it makes it easier to get off the toilet when you're seated higher off the ground.
Walker
You'll probably need a walker after your surgery so you'll have support when you walk. Your doctor will probably want you to get out of bed daily and move around so you heal more quickly and regain range of motion in your hip. A traditional walker gives you something to lean on for support and to hold you up when you get tired from walking.
Shower Equipment
You probably won't be able to shower right away, but when your doctor clears you to resume showering or bathing, you'll want supplies to keep you safe. You may want a shower chair so you can sit while you wash. A shower wand is helpful too so you can move the wand around your body as you sit still. In addition, think of the safety devices you'll need, such as non-slip strips for the tub and grab bars for balance.
The hospital staff will order the equipment you'll need and that's covered by your insurance so it is waiting for you when you're released from the hospital. If you want additional equipment, it's a good idea to have it delivered before you go in the hospital so you don't have to worry about it after you have surgery. Also, be sure to set up your home so everything you'll need is easy to reach and there is no clutter to pose a tripping hazard.
Check out a website like http://www.medirents.net for more information and assistance.
Share28 June 2017
After watching my mother navigate treatment for breast cancer in my early teens, I knew pretty much what to expect from my dad's diagnosis with prostate cancer. What I didn't know was how different chemotherapy and radiation can affect different people. My mother became very ill while my dad seemed to weather the treatments with few ill effects. I spent a long time researching the differences in treatments, types of chemotherapy, and how each one can react differently with the body. I created this blog to help others understand the same things, because I knew I couldn't be the only one unfamiliar with it. I hope it helps you if someone you love is facing treatment for any type of cancer.
