How to Prepare Your Home When a Loved One Is Coming Home from Surgery
There’s nothing like post-surgery recovery to remind you that caregiving is not for the faint of heart, or the easily grossed out. When my husband had hip surgery in April, I became a full-time nurse, part-time waitress, and reluctant home safety coordinator. At one point, I found myself reading Amazon reviews for bottom-wiping tools at 11 p.m., which is a sentence I never expected to type.
Recovery takes time, and the little things like getting dressed, climbing out of bed, and sitting on the toilet suddenly require the coordination of a small pit crew and the patience of a saint. (Spoiler: I am not a saint.)
If someone you love is preparing for surgery, I won’t pretend it’s easy. But I can share a post surgery recovery list of items that actually made our lives easier. Some were suggested by medical professionals. Others we learned about after a few missteps (and a couple of bruised shins). Either way, they helped. And when you’re sleep-deprived and stressed, helpful is worth its weight in gold.
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Helpful Items for At-Home Surgery Recovery
Sock Aid Tool
Getting socks on after hip or knee surgery is no small task, especially when bending is off the table. This sock aid tool makes the process so much easier. Foam handles offer a better grip, and it works with most types of socks. It’s not glamorous, but it’s effective. My sister-in-law saw it and thought it looked like a fabulous idea so I bought one to give her for Christmas.
Pill Bags
Keeping track of medication can get overwhelming fast, especially if multiple prescriptions are involved. These small pill bags are easy to label and great for staying organized, whether you’re managing a daily schedule at home or prepping doses for a short trip. I always travel with these now because it’s more compact and easier to pack than my weekly pill organizer.
Bottom Wiping Tool
Not something most people want to talk about, but if you’ve had surgery or limited mobility, this bottom wiping tool is a game changer. It extends your reach so you can maintain independence and dignity in the bathroom. It’s discreet, easy to use, and frankly, a sanity saver.
Flushable Wipes
After surgery, comfort matters… and that includes in the bathroom. These fragrance-free wipes are gentle and easy to use. Not fancy, but appreciated.
Grippy Socks
Hospitals usually send you home with one pair of grippy socks, but it’s smart to have extras. These socks stay put, offer good traction on slick floors, and don’t pinch or bind. A small thing that makes a big difference.
Reusable Ice Packs
These gel packs stay flexible even when frozen and are large enough to cover the back or legs. They come in a pack of two, so there’s always one that’s cold. They hold their chill longer than most and are sturdy enough to last through recovery.
If your loved one is dealing with hip surgery or inflammation, like my husband was, this wrap helps deliver cold therapy exactly where you need it. It stays in place and conforms to the body in a way that loose ice packs never do.
Raised Toilet Seat
It’s not something you think about until you need it, but this raised seat makes bathroom trips so much easier. The added height and padded arms help with balance and support, especially when sitting and standing are a challenge. We jokingly called ours the “platinum throne”.
Grabber Assist Tool
These grabber tools let you pick things up or reach high shelves without bending or straining. Handy doesn’t begin to cover it. We made a parlor game out out seeing just how well these worked and discovered they will even grab and pick up a thin dime.
Wedge Pillow
Sleeping after surgery can feel impossible without the right support. This wedge set helps you elevate your legs, knees, or upper body depending on your needs. The memory foam holds its shape well, and the setup is surprisingly versatile.
Caregiver Pager System
If you can’t be within earshot every moment, this little pager system is a lifesaver. No shouting across the house. Just a gentle call button for when they need water, meds… or help finding the remote. We do have a bell he could’ve rung, but something about that rubbed me the wrong way. It felt a little too “Downton Abbey” meets “nursing home”—and not in a charming way.
Rolling Bedside Table
It’s a simple thing, but having a rolling bedside table means your everyday essentials like meals, water, reading glasses, medicine, etc., are all in reach. This makes day-to-day tasks a little more manageable for both the patient and the caregiver.
Adjustable Bed Rail
Getting in and out of bed becomes more complicated after surgery. This adjustable bed rail offers steady support and helps prevent falls. It installs without tools and doesn’t look too clinical.
Car Handle Assist
Car seats are low, and car doors are not stable supports. This tool slides into the door latch and gives you a solid handhold to push up from. It’s small enough to keep in the glove box and makes outings a little easier.
Temporary Grab Bars
These temporary grab bars attach to tile or glass without drilling. Perfect for helping with balance in the shower, and they’re quick to install and easy to remove.
Adjustable Shower Stool
Standing for long showers isn’t always practical during recovery. This chair is lightweight but stable, and it swivels so you can move without twisting. The rubber tips help keep it in place even on wet tile.
Other Tools That Might Be Helpful for Post-Surgery Recovery:
- No-Rinse Bathing Wipes: A quick way to feel clean without the hassle of a full shower.
- Pulse Oximeter: Handy for keeping an eye on oxygen levels during recovery.
- Back Scratchers: Because there’s always an itch you suddenly can’t reach.
- Swivel Seat Cushion: Makes getting in and out of chairs or the car a little smoother and less awkward.
- Support Cane: Choose one with good grip and wrist support for better balance and control.
- Waterproof Leg Cast Cover: Keeps foot and ankle dressings dry in the shower without a struggle.
- Pill Tracker Stickers: A simple way to remember if you actually took your medication today.
- Motion-Activated Night Lights: Helpful for late-night bathroom trips or moving safely in the dark.
- Seat Belt Pillows: Adds comfort and protection over tender chest or abdominal surgery areas.
- Bio-Oil Skincare: Gentle and effective for soothing dry or sensitive post-op skin.
Having even a few of these items ready before surgery can make a stressful time feel more manageable…maybe not easy, but a little less overwhelming. Caregiving doesn’t come with a manual (though it probably should), and no two recoveries are exactly the same. But the right tools really can take the edge off for both of you.
Have you gone through a home recovery with a spouse, parent, or friend? I’d love to know what helped or what you wish you’d known before you were suddenly in charge of ice packs, meds, and bathroom logistics.
No surgeries imminent for us, but this email is going in my Jennifer mailbox. Some great tips!
I had hip surgery 3 months ago and the best item was the raised toilet seat. It was the best gift ever. I really could have used the grabber when I drop an item and couldn’t bend down. I wish I had this list before I had surgery. Thank you
It was a lifesaver for my husband
This is such a useful article Jennifer. I’m bookmarking this as my husband is having knee replacement surgery in the fall.
Good luck to him and you!
All these products are great! I use a grabber stick to pick up items I drop on the floor since I have back pain. I have a novel idea I used when I was on crutches. I wanted to drink coffee in the living room. I was alone, hubby had gone to work. How to get the coffee to the living room?? Well, I filled an old fashioned thermos with coffee and tied the handle to one of my crutches and moved to the living room! carefully of course! You could also use one of those travel cups in a waterproof bag and tie that to a crutch!
Wow! What a very thorough and VERY HELPFUL list! Thank you so much for posting this information. It’s so appreciated.
Thank you for another honest and well researched article. I appreciate your work.
What a great article, Jennifer. I’ve had a couple of smaller mishaps where a number of these items would’ve been much appreciated.
Thank you so much for putting this together! This is sooo helpful! Hip surgery is coming at me.
Olwyn
Great post Jennifer. I can relate. First I had a knee replacement and then one year later my husband had a hip replacement. It can feel like recovery takes a long time for both the patient and caregiver. Having the tools you mentioned was essential. Our bedroom is upstairs so we had two of many of those tools (toilet seat, walker, grabber) so nothing had to carried up or down stairs. The best advice is for the caregiver to take care of themselves too. I know my back was not happy doing all the extras. Happily, we both had successful surgeries and feel 100%.
That is the best part!
What a great post! My husband is likely looking at knee replacement surgery. I’ll hold onto this information. I’m sure I’ll need many of the items you listed.
My husband had hip surgery two years ago and fortunately had a very easy and quick recovery. The raised “throne” for the toilet was the most essential item and the reachers are still used. Thanks for posting!
Wish I had seen this lovely list last spring! My husband had a knee replacement and I was catapulted into the caregiver/maid/therapist role! One thing we did that seemed to help his morale was to go out to our deck and wash his knee in the sun. I washed, rinsed and then we sat in the spring sunshine to let it dry. One caveat to that-a pain med came first! Fast forward his recovery was complete. He is up walking and moving better than he has in yearsThank you for this great post!
Fresh air and sunshine is amazing medicine!
OMGosh! I had almost every single item you mentioned in your post for my husband who died this past January after a 4 year decline with dementia. I was his sole caregiver (with visits from hospice nurses his two last months). I simply would not have been able to keep him at home without the aids you mention.
I opted for a wheeled chair called a “Shower Buddy” on Amazon, that enabled me to wheel him into the shower since walking became impossible for him. Although we didn’t use the chair as a commode, it could also be used as such. An electric chair lift was absolutely essential for those times when he fell and it meant I didn’t need to call the fire department to send someone to help lift him up. Also, those final few weeks, as he was completely bedridden, we used one of those electric, mattress pads that continuously inflates and deflates the air pockets under the patient( absolute Godsend) to avoid the possibility of bedsores. Unlike after most surgical situations, someone with dementia is in a constantly declining mode, so I added whatever tools and devices we needed as the changes progressed. My final splurge was a bed-lift, which I regretted not having purchased earlier as it would have made getting my husband in and out of bed so much easier. There was a bit of a learning curve with that, to really work out the adjustments and best method to ease it’s use, but definitely worth it even if only for the three times I got to use it. I am 74, so having all the great devices to help with his care, was absolutely worth every penny and it also saved my mental and physical health. Caregiving is not easy.
Wishing you and your husband continued good health. I so enjoy reading your posts. Thank you!
I’m so sorry to hear about your husband! You’ve done an amazing job caring for him.
Thank you so much for posting these. I’m saving this for future reference, just in case. I will be buying the pill tracker stickers now !
I was wondering if the gel packs were good for traveling, expecially by plane. We pack tightly filled suitcases and carry-ons. My fear is that the gel would leak. I also wonder if the refrigerators in hotels and cruise ships are cold enough for the gel packs.
We do have a big on in our freezer and it comes in very handy.
Thank you for this column. It’s good to read good ideas for every aspect of life.
Good Morning Jennifer. Great lineup of products. We went through home recovery with my husband this Spring. We have some of these, which were recommended by short term rehabilitation care facility. But, I feel like I should send them your list. Much more comprehensive and useful.
You certainly had your work cut out for you. Be careful, those flushable wipes can clog up your sewer system and shouldn’t be flushed down the loo. When my father had his hip replacement, we sent him off for a week’s rehab, so he didn’t need any special equipment. Caring for a relative post op or when they have been ill, is quite the challenge, but fortunately (in Australia) we have a lot of inexpensive government services to help.
That is helpful!
Thank you for your comment. A civilized country doesn’t rely on family to be nurses, physical/occupational therapists and psychiatrists. I am neither trained, nor have the desire to do the job.
@Lily. These services are not free, but means tested accorded to income and I believe the system has changed over the past couple of years. But, even with help (the district nurse came in daily and helped dad shower), my mother and I still had help him the rest of the time and I had to drive him to hydrotherapy.
Thank you for this incredibly useful list of items. Fortunately no surgery on the horizon, but over 10 years ago I had a complete knee replacement and know the struggle. My husband, who generally fell into the “good intentions, but not helpful” category rose brilliantly to the occasion and was a most excellent caregiver. The experience actually strengthened our marriage and made me appreciate how smart I was in marrying him. We just celebrated our 50th! Happy weekend Jennifer.
Happy Anniversary and congratulations!
Yes! Have done a lot of caregiving the past 15 years – off and on. Your list was great.
One suggestion is to look in your community for a free source for medical equipment first. Locally we have a wonderful organization called Lending Hands, staffed mostly by volunteers. We can go on line and “shop” their inventory, then pick up (and return) on the 4 mornings they are open. In another community, a veterans group did something similar (although not as professionally organized) with medical equipment. In both instances the organizations took donations of used equipment.
Night lights or installing the inexpensive thingies that allow you to simply touch a lamp to turn it on or off were also helpful.
Having a nice washable throw blanket came in handy too.
I have a pewter (therefore unbreakable) bell that came in handy too. It was purchased at a thrift shop. Goodwill or similar stores can be a good source for “one and done” recovery/caregiving items.
Great ideas Jean!
Depending on the surgery (mine was due to a smashed knee when I fell) I would add a walker or walking cane. Many of the items you listed I used. The raised toilet seat came in very handy (after my poor children would half carry me to the bathroom).
Ouch. That sounds so painful.
Jennifer – you did a lot of research. This list of “tools” is something I hope I won’t ever have to use them, but I will save your list. Your blog was amusing, especially “the bell” 😂 Thanks for adding a few comical phrases to a somewhat daunting experience. Happy healing!
My daughter had a cool circulating machine post hip surgery. Instead of having to replace ice cubes in the machine all the time, we kept several water bottles in the freezer–much easier to swap out in place of the ice.
That sounds great! We will look into one when he has his knee done.
I used one of these when I had hip replacement. I only took a pain pill the first 2 nights and for the rest of my recuperation, this controlled my pain.
Yes! Investigate the ice machine. My husband has had bot knees replaced and an additional tweak 20 years after his initial replacement. The ice machine keeps swelling and the pain/discomfort manageable. Keep the ice flowing!! 😇😇😇
an experienced care giver!
Thanks Virginia! We will
I second this suggestion. It made my husband’s recovery from knee replacement surgery so much easier, effective, and comfortable.
Wow! This post is filled with such great information that anyone can use. I knew of some of these items but you certainly taught me about so much more. This is something I’m keeping to refer back to. Hopefully it won’t be needed by me but you never know.
Thank you for sharing what you learned.
The portable/reusable grab bars are the BEST. I have to take meds for a damaged nerve in my foot that make me unsteady, so grab bars in a hotel or cruise cabin tub/shower are a must. We take one with us when we travel.
WRT the “flushable” wipes, they really aren’t the best thing to flush into your city sewers. I served on our city council for several years and our Public Works Director told us that those wipes are the bane of his existence. They don’t fully dissolve as advertised and over time they congeal into what PW calls a “fat bolus” that requires manual removal. He begged us to spread the word – please dispose of those wipes in your trash, not sewer. I’m happy to oblige here.
I have come across a toilet paper spray called Pristine, to replace the use of wipes. They were on Shark Tank. It works well and I also carry a small bottle in my purse for those surprise moments when I’m away from home.
Good to know, thanks Linda
The bottom wiping tool amused me – it is so similar to the sponge on a stick used by the Romans