BOPDHB Patient Resources Hip and Knee joint replacement book - June 2016 | Page 57

Small items can be carried in a backpack or an apron with pockets.
Think about using a frozen meal or meal delivery service.

At home

Avoid using the oven if it is not at waist height.

Laundry
Wash small loads of clothes
over the week, rather than one
large, heavy load.
Adjust the clothesline to
avoid stretching or try using a
clotheshorse for smaller items.
Showering / body washing
Your occupational therapist will provide you with the appropriate
equipment aides for using in your shower or bath. For safety, sit on
the shower chair, stool or bathing equipment provided to you. This
will be adjusted to the correct height for you.
If you are following hip precautions use a long handled easy reacher
with a sponge or flannel wrapped around it to wash your legs.
Wrap a towel around a reacher to dry your legs.
Shopping
Shop with someone who is
happy to carry items for you.
Avoid shopping during peak
times.
Do smaller, regular shopping
trips to avoid heavy shopping
bags and trolleys.
Have items packed into
several smaller bags for easier carrying.
If possible, use a trolley to push your groceries rather than carry them.

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