When going home, you will need a walking aid such as a two-wheel walker or crutches. The hospital where you are having your surgery may need you to bring it to the hospital when you go in for surgery, or may ask that someone bring it to you prior to discharge. Please ensure you clearly label any equipment you bring to hospital.
If you do not already have a walking aid, make sure that you will be able to buy, rent or borrow one recommended by the physiotherapist. Be sure to measure doorways and the space in and around toilets, bathtubs and shower enclosures to make sure equipment will fit properly.
You may need extra equipment depending on your situation. If you’re not sure what equipment you will need, ask an Occupational Therapist. For information on occupational therapy services available in your area, you can:
- contact your family doctor
- contact your local hospital's occupational therapy department
- contact the Nova Scotia Society of Occupational Therapists at (902) 453-4537 or toll free: 1 (866) 93 NSSOT(936-7768)
- visit Nova Scotia Society of Occupational Therapists website
- check the yellow pages under "Occupational Therapists"
You can rent or buy equipment from:
- Medical equipment suppliers or home health care stores in the Yellow Pages of the telephone book
-
Local drug stores
You can borrow equipment from:
-
Red Cross
- Local branches of the Royal Canadian Legion
If you have insurance, you should check about any coverage for equipment, and whether a prescription is required. Patients can borrow equipment from their local Red Cross at no cost (upon return of equipment, a donation would be gratefully accepted). The Red Cross equipment loan program requires a written recommendation from a health care provider – contact your local Red Cross for more information. You should also check with your friends and family – they might know where you can find or borrow some equipment!
When borrowing equipment, make sure to examine it before your surgery to make sure it is in good working condition.
The following checklists provide details on what equipment you may need to bring to the hospital and what equipment you can use at home.
Make sure that any personal equipment that you bring to the hospital is clearly labelled with your name.
Click on the hospital site where you are having surgery to find out more about your equipment needs.