Housekeeping

Working in the Kitchen

After your surgery, it will be harder to move around for the first few weeks. You should prepare your home as much as you can ahead of time so it will be easier and safer for you when you get home.

Some tips for working in the kitchen after you get home from surgery:

• Have a high chair or stool with arms set up in the kitchen. You can sit on this chair or stool when you are doing countertop activities (e.g. preparing meals, washing dishes) or when you need to take a rest.
• Use frozen, prepared or easy to prepare meals. It is a good idea to make food and freeze meals before your surgery. Stock up on canned, boxed and freezer foods, so you do not have to rush out to the store right away.
• Check with your local grocery store to see if they have a delivery program. Other options to consider are food programs such as Meals on Wheels, VON’s frozen favorites, or order-in foods.  

Organize your cupboards and fridge so things are easy to reach. Try to store the items you use most at your waist level.

Going Shopping

Try to shop at stores that are easy to get to and have easy parking. Don’t forget to bring your walking aid with you, and a backpack to carry the things that you buy. It is a good idea to ask someone to go with you to help when you go shopping during the first 6-8 weeks after surgery. If you have had hip replacement surgery, it may be better to have someone else do your shopping for you during this time.

Doing Household Chores

It's easy to forget that housework can be hard on your body! Ask your family and friends for some help with your housecleaning in the early days after you get home from surgery. Give yourself lots of time to do your activities, and make sure you take rests in between.

Here are some safety tips for doing common household tasks.

Sweeping

Use a long-handled dust pan, and avoid twisting. Use long-handled feather dusters for dusting items that are at high or low heights.

Laundry

• Have someone carry your laundry to the machine or have the laundry set up by the machine.
• Fill the machine using a long handled reacher if openings are below waist height. Don’t twist your body!