BOPDHB Patient Resources Hip and Knee joint replacement book - June 2016 | Page 29

It is important to consider how you will manage your care in your
home once you are discharged from hospital. It is essential to
start planning now.
Before you come to hospital organise your daily living needs in
preparation for your return home.
Please note you should be ready to go home by 11am on the day
you are discharged.
Please make plans for your transport home accordingly.

Before coming to hospital

Preparing for your discharge home from hospital

This list will help you prepare for your return home:
Arrange for someone to take me to hospital.
Arrange for someone to take me home on the day I am
discharged.
Arrange for someone to stay with me for a few days after
discharge (if I live alone).
Tell family, friends and/or neighbours about my operation.
Organise family/friends who are willing to help with chores/
housework.
Cook extra meals and freeze them.
Buy extra groceries and/or arrange for someone to do my
grocery shopping.
If necessary, cancel my home help, Meals on Wheels, or
other services that come to my home, while I am in hospital.
Organise appropriate seating at my home.
Consider buying a long-handled shoehorn and sock-aid.
Place commonly used items at waist height to prevent the
need to bend.
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