My husband is having surgery on march 10 and I am not sure what aids to get that will help him when I am at work.
Hi de six , I am 3weeks post op and 60 years young . Found it much easier to do things than I thought I would . I suggest you look at the kitchen and try hobbling around to see how accessible things are . Someone suggested to me that I move the table to the end of my work top this means I can move things along and eat by the table . Doesn't look so tidy but it's practical . The helping hand they gave me is invaluable but I had 2 more . One in bedroom , living room , ensuite . Have had to leave toaster etc out on work top so I can use them . I am divorced and a carer for my 94 year old dad so it is hard but manaegeable . I did buy an upright arm chair which is not very relaxing but need it as my suite is soft . Just ordered some padded cycle mitts to use as crutches hard on hands when I walk outside . If I think of anything else I will let you know . Good luck to you both
A grabber, nothing is worse if you drop something and can't pick it up, a bag of some sort which he can put round his waist to carry things in, a vacuum flask, so that he can make himself a hot drink and then put it in the flask which he can put in the bag and carry it into the living room. You will probably be given a toilet seat raiser and crutches of course. I wouldn't have been without my grabber as you don't realise how many times you normally bend down in a day!
Thankyou x
Thankyou everyone x
Hi,
I had what is called a perching stool. Invaluable!!!! It is a high stool with handles on the side. I used it for washing at the basin during the time that I couldn't shower. Just made me feel more independant. I took it with me when we went out for meals and found that the restuarants were most obliging. Ask at the hospital when your husband goes for his pre-assessment
Hope all goes well.
Thankyou....where did you get one from?
When you husband goes for his pre assessment he will see an occupational therapist. They sort out all of your home requirements, toilet seat raiser, grabber, perching stool etc. it maybe depends upon the hospital your husband goes to but do ask and if the OT can't help, the Red Cross or other organisations will but ask the hospital and they should be able to point you in the right direction. You can google for disability aids in your area for rental or try ebay. I purchased a gadget for putting on sox. Great help.
Good luck.
Hi debsx I live on my own and I would say obviously a grabber is most important, in fact two would be even better, though a hip op pack is available from Amazon for just under 10 pounds with a grabber, sock aid and long handled shoe horn in.
I was supplied free of charge with a trolley , high chair and two perching chairs, 1 for kitchen and 1 for bathroom so I could wash dress,cook and wash up etc independently. If occ health can't supply these for you then your local red cross may be able to for a small donation. I also have two high rise toilet seats as you can't sit with your hip more than 90° to your body.
I had to have everything put at mid level height that I needed to use as you can't bend, stretch or lift. So crockery, pans etc at mid level also my clothes so move any daily requirements eg underwear etc to drawers or shelves at mid height.a phone to hand at all times obviously in case required in an emergency, so I had my mobile in my pocket and a light linen bag that I could carry things up and downstairs. Wish you both all the best.
Thanks for all your advise it has been really useful....x
The aids I have found most useful when alone are a long reach grabber, a device to help with putting socks on and a stall for use in the shower. A raised toilet seat if yours is low is also really helpful.
If you place tennis racket strapping on crutches that stops then hurting your hands.
Hi I am new to this as well My op is the 2nd march. I have been lent a raised loo seat, a grabber, we have a downstairs wetroom with a built in seat.I have my own crutches, with good handles. How about asking for a care package at the hospital? They must provide this.Good luck regards amandah
Good luck to you too xxx Thanks
Hi Debsx, Thank-you !! I am suffering from very bad anxiety levels. I have always been this way. I have my Husband, who is not well at all as he too has OA of spine, hips & knees, also he is severely sighted & deaf. So I have a double whammy on my shoulders. I am having the op in the Nuffield but under the NHS !! So at least I will have my own room, as I need space.That way Hubby can visit when ever he can be bvrought too see me. Please make sure that you get all the help you need.Regards Amandah
Hi
Are you in the UK? If so they will give you all the equipment you need.
You'll be asked to fill in a form at your pre assessment or at your group physiotherapy class.....They will need to know the height of the chair your husband will be sitting in..,,...if its not to their liking lol they will provide one.
My first tHR i only had 2 settees ...no chair...so they provided on for 6 weeks.
Raised toilet seats, a perch stool for the kitchen usually, a trolley.....you might have to ask for this.....I did....I knew someone else had had one and I wasnt offered one so I asked...no problem.
A large shoe horn, a long handled sponge, a dresser type thingy 
Agrabber which like everyone else....I say is invaluable....I found a second one at a car boot sale so it stayed upstairs.
Thats all I can think of at the minute......someone may come along with more
Love
Eileen UK
Thankyou so much for your help......I now feel alot better and prepared !
Hi Debsx
As already stated the grabber stic x2 (one in bedroom and one say in the lounge) wounderful at least one is a must plus longe handled shoe horn also the sock aid is very good regarding drinks and food having a flask by the arm chair is a very good idea perhaps also a jug of water and glass so he does not have to get up every time he wants a drink I had crutches when I had my left total hip replacement and know how difficult it is to carry things when using crutches.
Raised toilet seats, perch stools and toilet frame ( for getting off the toilet) raised toilet seat if needed should be loaned to him by the occupational therapists for as long as needed if you are in the UK al the very best of wishes
Thanks for the advice.....we both now know what to get prior to the op. X
Hi
Are you in the UK?.....if so you shouldnt have to get it. It should be there ready for you when you come home from hospital....sorry when your husband comes home
You shouldnt have to buy any of the things that have been discussed
Love
Eileen UK
We are in the uk but you know what it is like.....we would rather sort it out ourselves..... thanks for all your help and support x