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.
get a bidet toilet seat mine adds on under the regular seat and was so easy to use and install i put one on several other toilets i love it!!
Bidet!
What a great list! Been caring for a variety of elders the last 3 years, and all of these are terrific! The wipe-on-a-stick is one I expect everyone would have appreciated (especially me!!). One other item might be a phone case on a lanyard of some kind so that the phone is available with crutches/wheelchair etc but not in a pocket as sweaters etc sometimes get removed. If the phone is around the neck there is always help a dial away, and the phone allows the ill person a way to entertain, reach out, not feel so lonely.
That’s a great idea
My husband had knee replacement surgery, hip replacement surgery, broke his other hip, carpel tunnel surgery on both wrists while in recovery…all in 2024! Each of your tips are spot on!
I suggest motion sensor lights on the stairs and hallways, corner grippers for any area rugs, lever knobs on doors, and, taking time out with friends or families for yourself. It takes a lot to patience, humor, love and support to be a caregiver. There are groups that can help you cope if things get overwhelming.
Thanks for sharing your personal story. It helps to be honest about this possible life event so no one feels like they are alone.
My husband is recovering nicely in 2025.
Wow, 2024 was a rough year for you both! The motion sensor lights sound brilliant!
This is just a great list you’ve put together. I’ve been my husband’s nurse through a knee replacement and a hip replacement with added pelvic rebuilding and leg lengthening surgeries. A year and half ago he was diagnosed with cancer – had multiple surgeries, chemo, radiation, weeks of daily at-home iv antibiotic treatments, etc. etc. I list the various surgeries because we’ve used nearly everything you listed for each one – this is literally a list for whatever happens. The only thing I would add is a room spray they used at the hospital that I found on Amazon. Neither of us can stand the sweet heavy scent of store bought sprays. The Amazon link was endlessly long so I’ll just give the name –
m9 Odor Eliminator Spray, Unscented
Great addition!
This brought back memories as my hubby had a hip replacement in 2007. Earlier that year we had a milestone birthday party for him and the guests were asked to bring only gag gifts suitable for his milestone. (He didn’t have the surgery for another 6 months so no one knew about it). He received a walker, a potty seat, a shower seat (all “recycled” from friends who had needed them after their own surgeries). And after the surgery we were able to “recycle” the items to others in the same age group facing hip/knee surgeries. And a young grandson was fascinated with the grabber! We gave it to him but now I (a vertically-challenged person at 5’0”) want one for myself!
That’s funny
Thanks for the extensive list of useful items, Jennifer. It is great to be prepared in advance. I had hip replacement surgery, after a fall a year ago and was lucky that I was provided with many of those items when I left rehab. I live alone so had to find a way to manage everything without help at that point. The sock assist and grabber were especially helpful. I wish I had known about the portable grab bars. I had “real” grab bars installed under a time crunch. Two additional items not on your list that were really helpful were a long handled shoe horn (various available on Amazon) and a pair of SAS women’s leather shoes with velcro closures. They also make a similar style for men. ( great because they were adjustable, and a relatively good looking unobtrusive style to wear with pants for any occasion.) At first, I bought a pair of slip- on shoes when my foot was very swollen, ( supposed to be ideal for people who cant bend down. There seem to be many available now. ) however, when the swelling went down in my foot, those shoes were too loose, so I bought a pair of leather SAS shoes with velcro closures, which turned out to be a better choice. The SAS shoes have a removable footbed, for more options in adjusting the fit, including using your own innersole (The “MeToo Walking Shoe”, sasshoes.com). Loose, straight or wide legged pants ( but not flowy, like palazzo pants) with elastic waist were important for ease of dressing.
What a helpful article!
I had rotator cuff and biceps tendon repair surgery 2 years ago and have saved a document with helpful tactics.
It’s not easy and helpful tips are so welcome!
When updating our bathrooms, we put in “boomer toilets” (higher seats). It’s perfect for aging boomers!
Wow, this post looks like a lifesaver! My parter had both shoulders replaced (a year apart), and then broke his neck last year (he’s doing pretty well now). It would have been brilliant to know about some of the gadgets and solutions you mentioned above. I’m going to save your post for the next time we need extra help. Thanks so much for putting it together. As someone who knows how grueling it can be to be a caretaker, I’m glad to hear your husband is recovering–and especially glad that you’ve recovered from his recovery!
Wow! That’s very scary.
So helpful, Jennifer. I’m saving this.
Thx for the info…..and the great wit!
My tall active hubby. Had two hips done six wks apart and then a knee a year later . ( had a long demanding paratroop military career ))
He went from walker to a tritipped bottom cane ( better balance ) to one tip rubber tip cane .to nothing , ..good to have those canes on hand .for rehab !
Most drug stores ,walmart , or online have them .. shower chair or stool and tall toilet seat .too.
and a portable foot cycle the pt recommended after knee surgery .walmart had one.
We eventually moved to home with no stairs .
He still needs hand rails for balanceand avoids low seats or stairs and has given up laddders and roof cleaning haha !
Also helped to put our bed on leg risers to make it taller so he he didnt have to push to get out of or into bed ..
Now 10 yrs later still walks a mile or two and golfs with cart
Knee rehab is importsnt !
Amazing Susan!
Jennifer, thank you for sharing. I am a home health nurse and I learned a few tips and tricks from your post.
Wonderful!
Thanks Jennifer this list is saved. Hope I don’t have to need but life is unpredictable.
Bed risers: https://www.amazon.com/Best-Sellers-Bed-Risers/zgbs/home-garden/3732271
These are the little plastic “cups” that fit under the legs of your furniture to elevate them. Not just for beds. When I had a double hip replacement we used them on beds, sofa, chair. Made it much easier to get up and down….and easier on the caregiver’s back as well! They come in varying sizes so you can customize to your needs. If you’ll be relying on a walker, go ahead and set it up (in advance) with a basket (on the inside, facing you), a cup holder, tray, etc. Purchase a bariatric walker, even if you’re not overweight. They are sturdierDon’t forget you can use your Amazon Alexa devices as intercoms and for the “Call my buddy” function.
Consider at least one week or two would be better at a good rehab center after knee surgery. It is more painful than a hip surgery. They will work with him on walking, sitting and bending that new knee. Your husband is considerably taller and larger than you are and as a nurse for 30 years, I can tell you professionally that it isn’t a good idea for you to do the initial post op care after a knee. If your insurance allows that extra care then do it. They can also teach you whatever PT exercises he must do for a complete recovery. I wish we would have done this after my total knee joint replacement surgery in 2013. I agree about the wipes. Just put a wastebasket liner in a small wastebasket beside the toilet and empty it daily. Do not flush wipes no matter what it says on the packaging. A home health aide could help during the second or third week of recovery and after that he should be pretty mobile and able to take care of himself.
Hi–This was a helpful article. I live alone, have rheumatoid arthritis and have had many surgeries on various parts of my body. Right now I am recovering from having my battery replaced for my implanted pain control device called a neurostimulator. It was a simple surgery but can’t bend or do any lifting beyond a quart bottle of milk for 6-8 weeks. The grabber device is wonderful! I’ve had one for years. I have a sock device but it doesn’t work for me- same with the grabber bar. I got a permanent grabber bar and am thankful for that. The rotating shower stool is something I’m going to look at. This article will be saved–excellent advice!
Feel better soon Brenda!
Thank you so much for this thoughtful and well researched post. When I had both my knees replaced (yes, at the same time!) years ago, I looked high and low for this kind of information. Not to be found all these things that make your life easier. My husband was my caregiver and I’m surprised he didn’t divorce me, because we had to learn all this the hard way! Bless you for sharing your ideas, we are all at or nearing the age where these things are happening to us or those we are helping. So glad your husband is on the road to recovery!
Wow, I didn’t know they would do both knees at the same time! That must have been rough.
Just a heads up- knees replacements are harder than hip replacements. All of these are very good ideas- esp the socks-reachers- temp grab bars-wiper. The toilet raiser/ chair is better than the toilet seat riser I think they are more stable and have the handles to push up. The one I would use caution with- the wedge under the knees- most ortho surgeons will tell you nothing that will put pressure to the back of the knee area as it may cause blood clots (or at least a higher risk and that risk is already high having surgery on a lower extremity). You can flip the wedge the other way so the knee is extended or straight- it will still elevate the legs/ feet- so it helps with swelling but will not put pressure behind the knees
I will ask about the wedge, thank for the heads up.
I broke my back a couple of years ago (fully recovered 🙏🏼) and one of the main things I needed & finally found was that washing my hair while in bed was all but impossible. I found on Amazon shower caps that were for a waterless shampoo! It wasn’t ideal, but sure made me feel more human. There are several varieties & the cost is reasonable.
Ouch! Thanks for sharing that resource Gina
I was fortunate enough to have hairdresser friends that allowed me to come to their salons 2x a week to have my hair washed!🥰
I always appreciate your honest and informative posts. My husband has undergone 2 hip replacements and is still recovering from a hip revision( removing an infected hip implant and replacing with a temporary) on May 28th.
So this is not our first rodeo, but I still found helpful tips in your post. We have so much medical equipment, we joke that we could open a medical supply store. However, I discovered we could use the bedside table, swivel seat cushion, and pager system(lots of shouting here). We were so happy to find the grippy socks and threw away the hospital ones immediately. I noticed that I have been using “We” as I wrote because, truly, you are both experiencing the trials of recovery. Thank you for such a helpful post. Good Health to you and your husband.
I hope he’s recovered soon. We had a friend who needed the same revision as your husband.
Jennifer Thank You!!!! My sweetie is looking to schedule both knees and an ankle in the near future..Sequence of events/surgieries not in place yet. I’m keeping your very thoughtful and comprehensive blog for reference. His townhouse is two stories and I’ll be moving between my home and his..should be exciting times. We’ve already survived an emergency shoulder replacement surgery…….
Ouch, that emergency shoulder replacement sounds scary…and painful.
Hello Jennifer
I was so glad to see your list. As we get older things happen we may not expect so having most of the things on your list is good to have on hand.
Not only needed for hip or knee surgery but any type of surgery makes your ability to take care of yourself difficult. I had breast surgery and used quite a few of the items you listed.
Caregiver’s need all the information and help to make their jobs easier!
Thank you for getting the information out there.
I have had both knees and both hips replaced. Wish I had known about some of these things. When they replaced my last hip, they fractured my ankle. That was my worst recovery. Wish I had had some of those items to help. I need to have my shoulder replaced but I am waiting until I can’t use my arm (not really).
Thanks for all your suggestions.
Wow, that sounds just brutal! I’ve just learned my shoulders are both bone on bone so I don’t know what the future holds forn them.
I had to laugh when you said you were recovering from your husband recovering. My husband had bi lateral knee replacement in 2023 and I took on a month long assignment as a substitute when he was able to get around on his on, just so I could get away. Haha.
So many of the items you listed also worked for me and my husband and I’m so glad you shared this post so others can benefit from them.
Some levity….those of us that aren’t natural nurses may relate … my sister in law once said to her ailing spouse….”I’d like to put you out of MY misery…” !!
LOL, that’s hilarious!
Thank you so much for this information! I know you have said it before, but did your husband have a hip replacement? Was it an anterior or posterior surgery? I asked because I am anticipating have to have a hip replacement with the anterior approach.
His doctor went in from the side for the hip replacement. I understand that means less muscles to cut.
Thank you for this great list. I highly recommend that those of us who have entered advanced middle age should have grab bars permanently installed in the showers and baths. This was a recommendation from our Primary Care MD, and no, neither of us had fallen. Many falls happen because older adults slip in the bathroom. One other piece of advice to the caregiver: go one day at a time and get some time away every few days until things are normal. Also, the first couple of days home from any hospital stay are usually the hardest.
That’s great advice!
Very informative. Useful information that we can all use. Thank you so very much.
The item that was absolutely wonderful during a recent illness, was a bidet seat. My son installed an electrical outlet in our toilet area. We bought a bidet seat and found it to be an easy and effective way to take care of the cleanliness issue. It is now used all the time. Do consider it as a useful item to add to your bathroom. It is handy for all age groups, but particularly good for an aging population.
That’s a wonderful idea and would be so helpful!
Great advice. All my friends are having one or the other of these surgeries. I know our time will come. Thank you
Such a great list thank you Jennifer.
What a comprehensive list. Thank you. Very helpful indeed!
I bought some of these items in the past for my parents to age in place. Then a friend who had knee surgery borrowed some, including the shower stool. Another item I recommend is no-rinse shampoo caps.
Jennifer, what an awesome list you’ve compiled! Thank you. I’m saving this for the next surgery one of us may require (between my husband and me we’ve done 2 knees, 1 hip and a shoulder thus far…). This must have taken you a LOT of work! Thank you.
Hi! My husband had his hip replaced October 2024, and used a few of the tools you mentioned. His recovery went quite well and physical therapy is very important and should not be skipped.
The physical therapy is so critical to a successful result.
This is why I so look forward to reading your posts! Fashion and those helpful hints that no one talks about. I broke my leg last year at 68 yrs young. Luckily, I was able to use an extremely stiff brace that I could remove to shower, still with no weight at all on the leg. The best tool I had was a shower chair. Even my husband enjoyed the chair. Secondly, when my father broke his ankle at 94 yrs, with the help of others who cared for aging parents, I gathered almost every one of the items you mention. Again, thank you.
My husband had a knee replacement and rotator cuff repair surgeries and the ice therapy machine was a lifesaver. Luckily my kids would drop off bags of ice for him each day, but for the first couple weeks it was so helpful and covered by insurance!
Good to know. I will check with our insurance provider when he gets the knee done.
These are wonderful suggestions for patients and caregivers. I had shoulder surgery last year and I was not prepared for being in a sling for six weeks straight. My husband was a saint. You really need so much more help then you think. I couldn’t drive for ages. It really helps to be prepared for sure.
Jennifer,
Good information for the home caregiver.
As a RN of almost 50 years, it is so wonderful to see all of these home medical equipment items available now for families caring for their loved ones.
I’m living this life right now as the husband had full knee replacement last week. Last year it was back surgery, year before hip replacement. These are all great suggestions especially the flexible ice packs; we purchased 4 and keep them on rotation. My husbands favorite recliner has been bolstered higher with extra pillows but I think a foam bolster would be real helpful.
Wishing him a speedy recovery!
A wonderful column! Thank you. There’s one item I found very useful, a shampoo and conditioner in a cap. You heat the cap in the microwave for less than a minute, and then pop it on your head and massage away for a few minutes. There’s liquid in the cap, and when you take it off, your hair is soaking wet and clean! It was so useful for me when I was bedridden and couldn’t get to the shower. It’s but Medline, and is called Shower in a cap. I bought them from Amazon. People find 5hem useful on camping trips. .
They sound like a must have!
What a great idea to include this information on your blog. It’s a great list for current or future caregivers.
I’m still wiping away tears from laughing so hard! You are hysterical! Now that the worst has passed, I’m sure there is more levity than when you were in the midst of things….
I’ve bilateral hips and knees (did the knees together about they were a breeze compared to hips). I was still teaching, so did everything in the summer. My husband left me a sandwich each morning and waved as he headed out the door to work. Guess I learned to manage on my own pretty fast! The worst part for me was struggling to get in and out of the shower on crutches; visiting nurses held their breath each time they visited!
Thank you Jenn for the chuckles….glad the worst is behind you and your husband.
Thanks for the list of items. After hubby’s 3rd hip surgery, we left the hospital with a lot of these items, and thank goodness for speedy Amazon deliveries. I ordered the car assist handle which will make getting in and out of the car for follow up doctor appointments much easier. The second time leaving the hospital, the case manager said we’d have home health care based on our insurance. What I didn’t realize at the time was that III was his home health care! I gave him all his IV antibiotics and have gotten quite the education! Thank you again for providing life AND fashion ideas!
Wow, you are a trouper!
Jennifer, this is a very comprehensive list! Also, a “3 in one commode” can be used as a shower chair, a raised toilet seat (just remove the bucket) and a bedside commode if space is limited. My husband just had his 22nd and 23rd surgeries this spring, including 6 joint replacements over the years. He’s very lucky he married an RN, but I’m pretty tired! It’s important to assess your home prior to surgery as well, to clear pathways, remove throw rugs, evaluate furniture. This time around, we replaced his rocker swivel recliner for a stationary one with a power recliner. It was much more stable and we got a great deal on a new one at a consignment store. Good luck and happy healing to your husband!
Where I live we can get a lot of equipment to use on a temporary basis for free thru the Red Cross – ($ donations are appreciated) and thru some medical lending organizations.
The pharmacy is great for putting pills in bubble wrap to use as required.
As others mentioned the flushable wipes are not for the sewer system. One can just use face cloths.
This is so helpful. My husband and I have been through a total of 5 ortho surgeries, and though we’ve learned about new aids each time, your post made me aware of several items we could have used. This post is a keeper and one to share!
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