18 | CMH-OHSU Health Orthopedic Clinic Create a clear pathway between the bedroom, kitchen, bathroom and living room Place your chair, remote control, radio, telephone, medicine, tissues, wastebasket and water pitcher/glass in the place where you will spend most of your time while you recover. Arrange your kitchen so you won’t have to bend below the waist, reach or lift. Furniture Arrange furniture so you will have space to move around easily. You may need to move furniture so you can have spaces wide enough for a walker. Put a chair with armrests in each room you intend to use after surgery. Avoid chairs that are lower than 24 inches; trying to stand up after sitting in a low chair is difficult. Store away any furniture with wheels. All furniture must be secure so it will not roll away from you (including your bed). You may want to move your bedroom to the main floor so you do not have to use stairs until you are ready. In the bathroom, for hip or knee surgery, consider the following: Install a handrail to help you on and off the toilet. Use a shower or bath chair with non-slip pads. Also, many people find it easier to sit on a shower bench and use a handheld showerhead. If your toilet seat is less than 20 inches high, or if you have trouble rising from your seat, you may need a raised toilet seat after surgery. If your bathroom is small and using a walker would be difficult, you may wish to consider a portable toilet chair (called a “commode”). Personal care ; Do not shave the area near your operative site within 2 weeks of surgery.
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