Moving around safely

The most important activity you can do for your hip when you return home from the hospital is to walk as much as possible. While at home, you will continue to walk with the assistive device unless directed by your surgeon to discontinue use.

Walking will help tremendously with the flexibility and strengthening of your hip, however you must be cautious and remember to move around your home safely.

Being home after surgery can be difficult. Cooking and other simple daily activities such as bathing may be harder for you to do alone. There are devices on the market right now such as dressing aids, raised toilet seats, bath benches, and handrails that may be helpful for you. Your local chapter of the Arthritis Foundation or a medical supply company may be able to help you find assistive devices in your area. You may also ask your physical therapist for assistance tracking these items down.

Here are some important tips to remember when you arrive home from the hospital. If you have a family member or loved one helping to take care of you, have them read these tips as well.

Arrange your home in a way that keeps important items within reach to avoid bending over to pick up items from the floor
Remove electrical cords, throw rugs and other items that might be underfoot and cause you to fall
Use “no-slip” bath mats, grab bars, an elevated toilet seat and shower chair in your bathroom
Use a cane, crutches, a walker or handrails until your balance, flexibility, and strength improve
Remember to ask for help from others when you need it
Free up your hands so that you can use them to keep balance by using a fanny pack, apron, or pocket to carry things
Be sure you have good lighting in your home when you are walking
When outside your home, avoid icy or snowy sidewalks
Wear shoes with sturdy, flat soles
Get your eyes checked
Avoid too much alcohol
Take medicines only as directed and periodically review your medicines with your primary care doctor, especially if you have more than one health professional. Some medicines, such as sleeping pills or pain relievers, can increase your risk of falling
Do all exercises as instructed and follow your doctor’s orders