Coming home after a hip or knee replacement is a milestone, but the first few days can involve more planning than you might expect. Everyday tasks such as getting out of bed, using the toilet, preparing a meal or climbing the stairs may feel different while you are recovering.
A little preparation before your operation can make these tasks easier to manage. You do not need to turn your home into a hospital or buy every piece of equipment available. The aim is to create a safe, practical space where you can move around with the support recommended by your clinical team.
This checklist covers the areas worth considering before surgery, from clearing walkways to arranging help with shopping and meals. Your individual requirements will depend on the operation, your mobility, your home layout and the recovery advice you receive.
1. Make your walkways safe and easy to navigate
After surgery, you may initially use crutches, a walking frame or another mobility aid. Clear routes around your home can reduce the risk of trips and make it easier to move between rooms.
Before going into hospital:
- Remove loose rugs and mats, particularly from hallways and frequently used rooms.
- Secure trailing electrical cables against walls or furniture.
- Move shoes, bags, toys and other clutter away from walkways.
- Make sure doorways and corridors have enough space for your walking aid.
- Check that stairs and handrails are secure.
- Arrange good lighting, especially between your bedroom and bathroom.
Pay particular attention to the route you are likely to use most often. If you have pets or young children, think about how to keep toys, pet bowls and other objects out of your way.
If you have stairs at home, ask your physiotherapist how to manage them safely before discharge. You may be shown a particular technique based on your operation and mobility.
2. Prepare your bedroom and resting area
You may spend more time resting during the early stages of recovery. Having a comfortable, accessible place to sit and sleep can make the day easier to manage.
Consider the following:
- Choose a stable chair with a firm seat and armrests, if recommended.
- Check that the chair is at a suitable height for getting up and sitting down.
- Keep your phone, charger, water, tissues and remote control within easy reach.
- Arrange a bedside lamp or night light.
- Keep frequently used items on a nearby table rather than on the floor.
- Make sure your bed is easy to get into and out of.
Your physiotherapist may advise you on suitable bed and chair heights, particularly after hip replacement. Some people need to adjust their usual furniture temporarily to make transfers easier.
You should also ask whether your normal sleeping position is suitable during the initial recovery period. Hip replacement precautions can vary according to the surgical approach and your individual circumstances.
3. Make the bathroom easier to use
The bathroom deserves particular attention because getting on and off the toilet, stepping into a shower and reaching for toiletries may be challenging initially.
Do you need a toilet raiser after hip surgery?
A toilet raiser increases the height of the toilet seat, which may make sitting down and standing up easier for some people after hip replacement.
It can be useful where your surgeon or physiotherapist has advised you to avoid bending your hip beyond a particular angle. However, not everyone needs one. The appropriate height and type depend on your body proportions, toilet design and individual movement precautions.
Ask your clinical team whether you need:
- A raised toilet seat or toilet frame.
- Grab rails to provide support when sitting or standing.
- A shower chair or bath board.
- A suitable non-slip mat.
- A handheld shower attachment.
Do not rely on towel rails or toilet roll holders for support. If grab rails are recommended, they should be securely fitted in suitable positions.
For knee replacement, you may need a different combination of equipment depending on how comfortably you can bend your knee and bear weight.
4. Check what equipment you may need after knee replacement
Not everyone needs specialist equipment at home. Your hospital team should assess your mobility and advise you on what will be useful before discharge.
Depending on your needs, equipment may include:
| Equipment | How it may help |
| Walking frame or crutches | Provides support while walking, as advised by your physiotherapist |
| Raised toilet seat | May make sitting down and standing up easier |
| Shower chair | Allows you to sit while washing, if suitable |
| Reacher or grabber | Helps pick up light objects without bending down |
| Long-handled shoehorn | Makes putting on shoes easier |
| Sock aid | May help with dressing if bending is difficult |
| Leg lifter | Can assist with moving your operated leg, if recommended |
You do not need to purchase everything on this list. Some equipment may be provided or arranged through your hospital, while other items may need to be sourced separately.
Before buying anything, check the recommended type and measurements with your physiotherapist or occupational therapist. An unsuitable aid may make movement more difficult rather than easier.
5. Organise your kitchen and meals
Cooking can involve prolonged standing, bending, carrying items and moving hot food. These activities may be difficult during the early stages of recovery.
A few simple changes can help:
- Move frequently used crockery, food and kitchen items to an easy-to-reach height.
- Avoid storing everyday items on high shelves or low cupboards.
- Prepare and freeze some meals before your operation.
- Arrange help with grocery shopping and cooking.
- Keep drinks and snacks somewhere accessible.
- Avoid carrying hot drinks or heavy dishes while using crutches or a walking frame.
If you live alone, consider arranging for someone to bring meals or help with food preparation during the initial period.
6. Arrange help with everyday tasks
You may be able to manage some activities independently soon after surgery, but it is sensible to have support available, particularly when you first return home.
Think about who can help with:
- Shopping and collecting prescriptions.
- Cooking and washing up.
- Laundry and cleaning.
- Changing bedding.
- Looking after children or pets.
- Transport to follow-up appointments.
- Attending physiotherapy sessions.
If you live alone, discuss your home arrangements with the hospital team before surgery. They can help assess whether you will need additional support or equipment before discharge.
It is also worth planning how you will get home from hospital. Arrange for someone to collect you and follow the hospital’s advice about travelling safely.
7. Prepare before your hospital admission
A few final arrangements can make returning home less stressful.
Before leaving for hospital:
- Follow the instructions provided about medication and fasting.
- Arrange transport home.
- Make sure your home is clean and walkways are clear.
- Put fresh bedding on your bed.
- Stock up on groceries and household essentials.
- Charge your phone and keep important contact numbers accessible.
- Confirm that any recommended equipment is ready.
- Make sure someone knows how to contact your clinical team if you need advice.
You can find more information about the practical and clinical preparations in our guides to Preparing for Hip Surgery and Preparing for Knee Surgery.
8. What should you expect on the day of surgery?
Knowing what happens on admission can help you feel more prepared. Your hospital team will explain the arrangements for your procedure, including any final checks, discussions with the clinical team and preparation for anaesthesia.
After surgery, your recovery team will monitor you and help you begin moving when it is appropriate. A physiotherapist may show you how to use your walking aid, practise getting in and out of bed and manage stairs if needed.
Before discharge, make sure you understand your medication instructions, wound care advice, movement precautions and follow-up arrangements.
Our guide to Hip Surgery Day explains what to expect when attending hospital for a hip replacement.
Your home preparation checklist
Use this quick checklist to keep track of the arrangements you have made.
Around the home
- [ ] Remove loose rugs, cables and clutter.
- [ ] Clear routes between the bedroom, bathroom and living area.
- [ ] Check lighting and stair handrails.
- [ ] Make sure there is space to use your walking aid.
Bedroom and living area
- [ ] Prepare a stable chair with suitable support.
- [ ] Check bed and chair heights with your clinical team if necessary.
- [ ] Keep your phone, charger and essentials within reach.
- [ ] Arrange a night light.
Bathroom
- [ ] Ask whether you need a toilet raiser or toilet frame.
- [ ] Check whether grab rails are recommended.
- [ ] Ask about a shower chair or bath board.
- [ ] Prepare suitable non-slip flooring.
Kitchen and daily tasks
- [ ] Move frequently used items within easy reach.
- [ ] Prepare meals or arrange help with cooking.
- [ ] Organise shopping, laundry and cleaning support.
- [ ] Arrange help with children or pets if needed.
Before admission
- [ ] Arrange transport home.
- [ ] Confirm your equipment and walking aid arrangements.
- [ ] Follow medication and fasting instructions.
- [ ] Keep hospital contact details accessible.
Download the recovery brochure
Preparing your home is one part of getting ready for joint replacement. Understanding the operation, hospital stay and rehabilitation process can help you plan the weeks ahead.
For further information about preparing for surgery and what to expect during recovery, download our recovery brochure.
Your surgeon, physiotherapist and wider clinical team will advise you on the equipment, movement precautions and support appropriate for your individual recovery. Their instructions should always take priority over general checklists or online advice.