Recovery at Home

First week home — they can't put full weight on the operated leg yet

A 4-wheel rollator is the right first step. It's easier to move around with than crutches, and the built-in seat means they can rest when they need to — no need to find a chair. If crutches were sent home from hospital, a rollator takes over as weight-bearing improves.

The shower and toilet are the two highest-risk moments of the day

A raised toilet seat and a shower chair are the two items OTs recommend most consistently after hip and knee surgery. The raised seat reduces how far they need to lower themselves — which is exactly what hip precautions require. The shower chair means no standing on a wet surface while balance is still off.

Bending and reaching below the knee isn't possible right now

A long-handled reacher and a sock aid are the two things almost every OT sends patients home with after hip surgery. Hip precautions mean no bending past 90° for up to 12 weeks — these two items mean getting dressed independently from day one, without asking for help.

Getting in and out of bed is harder than expected

A bed safety rail gives them a solid, fixed handhold for getting up — especially important if the bed at home is lower than the hospital bed. A leg lifter helps move the operated leg in and out of bed without straining or twisting through the hip.