BOPDHB Patient Resources Hip and Knee joint replacement book - June 2016 | Page 56

At home

Household tasks
You will need help with everyday household tasks. Please ask your
family/whānau and friends if they can help you with this.
Dressing and undressing
Wear loose-fitting clothing. It is recommended that you sit in a chair
or on the side of the bed. Dress the operated leg first and undress
the operated leg last. If you are following hip precautions you
should be using your Easy Reacher. You may find a long-handled
shoehorn helpful.

Sleeping positions
The best position to sleep in is on your back. Unless you have been
told not to, you can sleep on your side as long as you place two
pillows between your legs, to prevent your operated leg crossing
the midline of your body.
Making your bed
Stay in bed and pull up the top sheet and duvet. When you get out
of bed the task should be simply smoothing the covers. Make sure
the floor is clear around the bed to avoid tripping or falling.
Meal preparation
The contents of your cupboards should be arranged so that
essential items are within reach without bending or stretching
(between shoulder and waist height).
Avoid lifting heavy saucepans. Slide them across the bench instead.
If you live alone you may need a trolley to move heavier items
across the room.
Your occupational therapist can
provide loan equipment if needed.

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You should think about using a
stool while preparing food, washing
up and using the stove top, to
provide short breaks from standing.