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Be Prepared

It is important to be 100% prepared for surgery for many reasons, added stress could hinder your recovery process.

Come Prepared

Do you have everything? Here’s a short checklist to help you gather items before your surgery day:

  • Toothbrush & Toothpaste
  • Joint Camp Handbook 5
  • Mouth rinse
  • Face wash
  • Comb or brush
  • Case for dentures & denture adhesive
  • Eye drops or inhaler
  • Other personal care items
  • Glasses or contact lenses
  • Phone or other electronics
  • Phone charger
  • CPAP or breathing machine
  • Loose fitting pants or shorts
  • Favorite shirt to wear when you return home
  • Socks
  • Non-slip shoes with grippy soles
  • Personal Walker (if you own one)
  • Your can-do attitude (if you believe you can, you can)

Please leave jewelry and valuables at home. You also won’t need a credit card or large amounts of cash.

Preparing Your Home – Fall Prevention Checklist

Get your house ready for your arrival back at home. Follow this checklist to help make sure your house is as safe and comfortable as possible for your recovery.

Around your home

  • Remove all throw rugs.
  • Hold area rugs in with a rubber, slip-resistant backing.
  • Keep home well lit.
  • Keep floors free of clutter.
  • Repair carpet, floor boards, etc.

Bathroom

  • Have a slip-resistant rug/rubber mat next to the bathtub for safe exit and entry.
  • Use a rubber mat or non-skid adhesive textured strips inside the tub/shower.
  • Have sturdy plastic seat in the bathtub if you are unsteady.
  • Install grab bars on the shower/tub walls.
  • Replace glass shower doors with a non-breakable material.
  • Stabilize yourself on the toilet by using a raised seat, a toilet with arms, or grab bars on the wall next to the toilet.
  • Keep a nightlight on in the bathroom, hallway, and bedroom.

Kitchen

  • Keep floors clean of any spilled liquids, grease, or food on the floors.
  • Store food, dishes and cooking equipment within easy reach.
  • Do not stand on chairs to reach upper cabinets. Use a sturdy step stool with handles.

Stairways

  • Keep stairs clear of clutter (boxes, laundry, etc.)
  • Keep lighting bright enough to see each stair and the top & bottom landings.
  • Lights switches on both ends of the stairway.
  • Place non-slip treads on each bare-wood step.
  • Have handrails on both sides of the stairway. Each should be 30 inches above the stairs and reach the full length of the stairway.
  • Keep stairs in good repair. Repair loose boards, carpet, and hand rails immediately.

Bedroom

  • Have a lamp, telephone, and flashlight near your bed.
  • Have nightlights along the route between your bedroom and the bathroom.
  • Sleep on a bed that is easy to get into and out of.

Living Rooms

  • Keep low-rise coffee tables, magazine racks, footrests, and plants out of walkways.
  • Arrange furniture so that there is a clear pathway between rooms.
  • Keep rooms well lit and always turn on lights.
  • Keep electric, appliance, and telephone cords out of the walkways. Do not “hide” cords under rugs as this causes uneven floors and increases the risk of a fall.

Outside

  • Keep the path between your driveway, sidewalk, mailbox, etc. clear and well-lit
  • Install motion lights so they turn on automatically when you step out at night.
  • Keep salt and a shovel near the front door so you do not have to walk on an icy sidewalk in order to reach them.

Other Things to Consider

Pets

  • Put a bell on small pets so you can locate them easily. You will know when they are near your feet.
  • Consider finding a helper to walk or exercise your animals while you are recovering.

Footwear

  • Wear properly fitting shoes with rubber non-skid soles.
  • Avoid wearing high heels.
  • Tie your shoelaces and never walk in bare socks.
  • Replace slippers that have stretched out of shape or are too loose.