Weekly tip - Prepare for hip replacement recovery

A hip replacement is a big operation and you will need quite a bit of time to convalesce afterwards. If you have an extended family or circle of friends to help you, it won’t be a problem. But if you live alone, you will have to make plans beforehand, as you will not be able to drive for 5 – 8 weeks.

Take action
Think of the things you do every day (shopping, showering and cooking) and how you are going to manage these. Organise someone to do your shopping and cooking, and, if you can afford it, a home nurse to help you for a short while every day. You can also book into a convalescent home. Get someone to raise your bed with a few bricks, and get a raised toilet seat. Crutches can usually be rented from the hospital. Get a radio next to your bed, and move the TV to your bedroom. If you live on the second floor of the house, you might want to consider moving downstairs, especially if that’s where the kitchen and the bathroom are.

Read a real life story on a hip replacement.