Transitional Physical Therapy Evaluations

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Your level of post-surgery recovery and the speed at which you reach that level of recovery depends on many factors – but making some simple changes in your daily routine at home can greatly aid your body as it repairs itself.

We’ve listed some simple tips below that will help you get the most out of your post-surgery recovery period. Tips to prepare your home for a healthy post-surgery recover:

Overall
Use these helpful tips throughout your house to aid you in your post-surgery recovery.


	Proper Lighting: a clean, properly lit home can help you avoid trip-and-fall accidents.
	Attempt to live on main level of house: Make sure that level has bathroom facilities.

Repeated stair climbing for bedding, grooming, toiletries, etc can be tiring and increase the risk of accident or injury.

Kitchen
We spend a lot of our day in the kitchen. These tips will make your time in the heart of your house recovery-friendly.


	Put items within arm’s reach: Items like non-perishable foods and cleaning supplies should be moved to heights between the waist and shoulder.

	• Place perishables in freezer or refrigerate, avoid lower meat/vegetable chillers.

	Consider purchasing a long-handled dustpan: to avoid unnecessary strain on your body.

Floors
Rugs, carpets and narrow hallways can all present hazards to your post-surgery recovery.


	Plan accordingly: Consider the width of your walker, cane or crutch when taking a path through your house.
	Clear the way: Clear pathways of all unnecessary objects to provide a safe walkway.
	Remove rugs: To avoid tripping, rugs should be removed – even under tables.
	Tack down carpets: Carpets should be tacked down so that you don’t catch your foot, walker, cane or crutch on them.

Household Pets
It’s very important to keep your family pet’s safety and well-being during your post-surgery recovery.


	Schedule a walker: If your pet needs to be walked, consider scheduling a walker in order to lessen the stress on your body.

Furniture
It’s likely that the two places you’ll most often be during your post-surgery recovery are your living room and bedroom. Make sure they’re the most comfortable places for you, and you’ll greatly increase the odds of a successful post-surgery recovery.


	Choose your seat wisely: Identify a sturdy, armed chair to sit in. Recliners are popular, but make sure they’re height appropriate.
	Make sure your bed is the right height: If your bed is too low (requiring you to bend beyond 90 degrees), consider renting hospital bed in order to avoid undue stress and strain, both getting into and out of bed.

Bathrooms
Statistically, the bathroom is the most dangerous room in a house. Follow these tips to create a recovery-friendly environment.


	Install raised toilet seat
	Use a shower bench/ seat
	Consider safety rails for bathtub

Stairs


	Make sure handrails are tightened: Loose handrails can cause one to lose balance and fall down the stairs.

Medication


	Know what you can and can’t take: Make sure you understand what medication you can take prior to surgery
	Make a list: Have a detailed list of medication you are currently taking
	Avoid making unnecessary trips: Consider filling your post-surgical medications prior to hospital

Accessibility


	Get comfortable: Create a comfortable area in your living room.
	Get organized: Place all necessary things within easy reach, such as on a table. Consider, a covered (sports) drinking bottle, a telephone with important phone numbers, TV remote, notepad, newspapers and magazines.