Person preparing a tidy home and clearing a walking path before orthopaedic surgery

Preparing Your Home Before Orthopaedic Surgery

Preparing Your Home Before Orthopaedic Surgery

Preparing your home before orthopaedic surgery can make the first days of recovery easier and safer. You may have less movement, reduced strength or trouble bending and reaching. Everyday tasks can take more time than usual.

A little planning can help you rest, follow your care plan and avoid unnecessary trips around the house. Your needs will depend on the type of surgery, your mobility and the advice from your surgeon or physiotherapist.

This guide covers practical steps to take before you go to hospital. It is general information and does not replace instructions from your healthcare team.

Start with your discharge instructions

Before surgery, ask your healthcare team what to expect when you return home. Your preparation may be different after a knee, hip, shoulder, foot or spinal procedure.

Ask about:

  • How much weight you can place through the affected limb
  • Whether you will need crutches, a walking frame or another aid
  • How to manage stairs
  • When you can shower
  • Where you should sleep
  • How to care for your wound
  • Which movements to avoid
  • How to manage prescribed medicines
  • When you should attend follow-up appointments
  • Who to contact if you have concerns

Write the answers down. You may feel tired or distracted after surgery, so it can help to keep your instructions in one place. A trusted support person can also attend an appointment or help record the information.

Create a safe walking path

Clear the main areas you will use at home. This may include the bedroom, bathroom, kitchen and living area.

Remove or secure:

  • Loose rugs and mats
  • Electrical cords
  • Small stools and footrests
  • Shoes left on the floor
  • Clutter near doorways
  • Low furniture that is difficult to walk around
  • Pet toys and feeding bowls in busy areas

Keep floors dry and well lit. Use night lights in the hallway, bathroom and near the bed if you may need to get up overnight.

Do not rush to answer the phone or door. If possible, keep a phone within easy reach so you do not need to hurry across the house.

Set up a comfortable recovery area

Choose one main area where you can rest during the day. A firm, stable chair with armrests may be easier to get in and out of than a low sofa. Place useful items nearby, such as:

  • Water
  • Your phone and charger
  • Reading material
  • Remote controls
  • Prescribed medicines, stored as directed
  • A small rubbish bin
  • Tissues
  • A notebook for questions and appointments

Avoid placing items where you need to twist, stretch or climb. A small table can help, but it must not create an obstacle in your walking path.

You may also want to prepare a second resting area if your bedroom is upstairs. Ask your healthcare team whether you should sleep on a different level for a while. Do not make changes based only on general advice, as your movement restrictions may be specific to your operation.

Think carefully about stairs

Stairs can be challenging after orthopaedic surgery. If your bedroom or bathroom is on another level, discuss this with your surgeon or physiotherapist before the operation.

They may show you how to use stairs safely with your walking aid. You may also need to arrange a temporary sleeping area on the most suitable level.

Keep stairways clear and make sure handrails are secure. Do not carry items while using crutches or a walking frame. A support person may be able to carry light items for you, but follow the instructions you were given about assistance and weight-bearing.

Make the bathroom safer

The bathroom is an important part of preparing your home before orthopaedic surgery. Wet surfaces and tight spaces can make movement harder.

Before surgery:

  • Remove loose bath mats or secure them properly
  • Place non-slip flooring where recommended
  • Keep toiletries within easy reach
  • Check that lights and switches are easy to access
  • Clear the path to the toilet and shower
  • Ask whether you need equipment such as a shower chair, raised toilet seat or grab rails

Only use bathroom equipment that has been recommended or supplied by a suitable healthcare professional. Grab rails should be fitted securely. Towel rails are not designed to support body weight and should not be used for balance.

Your healthcare team may advise you to keep your wound dry or avoid bathing for a period of time. Follow their specific instructions.

Prepare food and household supplies

Cooking can be tiring when standing, lifting or moving around is difficult. Prepare simple meals before surgery, or ask someone to help with shopping and cooking.

Useful options may include:

  • Meals that can be reheated safely
  • Foods that do not require much preparation
  • Bottled or filtered water placed within easy reach
  • Basic toiletries
  • Laundry and cleaning supplies
  • Pet food, if you care for an animal

Store frequently used items between waist and shoulder height. Avoid keeping them on high shelves or low cupboards if bending and reaching will be difficult.

Do not lift heavy shopping bags, laundry baskets or rubbish bins unless your healthcare team says it is safe. Arrange help for tasks that involve carrying, pushing or pulling.

Arrange support at home

Ask a family member, friend or carer to help during the early recovery period if you need it. Support may include:

  • Collecting you from hospital
  • Preparing meals
  • Helping with shopping
  • Taking out rubbish
  • Caring for children or pets
  • Driving you to appointments
  • Helping you follow your exercise or mobility plan

Be specific about what you may need. It can help to create a simple roster if more than one person is available.

If you live alone, tell your hospital team before surgery. They may discuss community services, rehabilitation or other discharge options. Do not assume that you will be able to manage alone until you know your movement restrictions and pain levels.

Plan transport and follow-up appointments

You may not be able to drive immediately after surgery. Arrange transport home before the operation and check how you will attend follow-up appointments.

When planning a car trip, consider:

  • How you will get into and out of the vehicle
  • Whether your walking aid will fit
  • How long you will be sitting
  • Whether you need a support person
  • Where you can stop if the trip is longer

Follow your surgeon’s advice about driving. Medicines, reduced movement and the operation itself may affect your ability to drive safely.

Prepare clothing and footwear

Choose loose clothing that is easy to put on and remove. Depending on the procedure, you may find it easier to wear elastic-waisted trousers, front-opening tops or slip-on footwear.

Choose stable footwear with a secure fit and a sole that provides good grip. Avoid walking in socks on smooth floors. Keep footwear in an easy-to-reach location so you do not need to bend or balance on one leg.

Your healthcare team may recommend particular clothing or footwear for your procedure. Their advice should take priority.

Understand support products before buying them

Some people use a brace or sleeve during recovery. Whether one is suitable depends on the operation and your clinician’s instructions. A support product may not be appropriate over a wound, dressing or swollen area, and it should not replace a prescribed rehabilitation plan.

If your healthcare professional approves a knee support for general activity or recovery, Health Wholesale stocks several Mueller options:

Ask your surgeon or physiotherapist whether a knee sleeve or brace is suitable, when it can be worn and how it should fit. Stop using it and seek advice if it causes increased pain, numbness, skin changes or other concerns.

Organise medicines and health information

Prepare a current list of all medicines, vitamins and supplements you take. Include the name, dose and how often you take each one. Take this list to your hospital appointments.

Your healthcare team will tell you which medicines to stop or continue before surgery. Do not make changes without their advice.

After surgery, take medicines only as directed. Keep them in their original packaging unless your pharmacist or healthcare professional advises another system. Store them away from children and pets.

Keep important information together, including:

  • Hospital and surgeon contact details
  • Your discharge paperwork
  • Appointment dates
  • Medicine instructions
  • Allergy information
  • Emergency contact details

Plan for rest and movement

Recovery usually includes a balance of rest and movement. Your physiotherapist may give you exercises to complete at home. Prepare a clear space where you can do them safely.

Do not add exercises, stretches or activities because they seem helpful. Follow the plan provided for your operation. Too much activity too soon may place extra stress on the healing area.

At the same time, avoid staying in one position for long periods unless your healthcare team tells you to. Ask how often you should change position, move or complete your exercises.

Know when to ask for help

Before leaving hospital, ask which symptoms need prompt medical attention. Contact your healthcare team if you are unsure about a change in your wound, pain, swelling, movement or general health.

Seek urgent help for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, trouble breathing, chest pain, fainting or any concern that feels like an emergency. In Australia, call Triple Zero (000) for an emergency.

A simple preparation checklist

Use this checklist in the days before surgery:

  • [ ] Read your hospital and discharge instructions
  • [ ] Arrange transport home
  • [ ] Confirm follow-up appointments
  • [ ] Clear walking paths
  • [ ] Secure or remove loose rugs and cords
  • [ ] Set up a safe resting area
  • [ ] Check lighting, especially at night
  • [ ] Prepare easy meals and household supplies
  • [ ] Arrange help with shopping, cleaning and pets
  • [ ] Organise medicines and health information
  • [ ] Prepare loose clothing and stable footwear
  • [ ] Ask about stairs, bathroom equipment and mobility aids
  • [ ] Confirm whether any brace or support is suitable

Final thoughts

Preparing your home before orthopaedic surgery is about reducing avoidable challenges. Clear paths, practical supplies and reliable support can help you focus on your recovery plan.

Your surgeon, nurse and physiotherapist should guide decisions about movement, equipment, wound care and support products. Plan early, ask questions and adjust your home to the instructions that apply to your surgery.

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