The ability to perform everyday tasks is often limited after surgery. While the body is healing, it is important to reduce stress on the weakened area. Even though there may be pain or some physical limitations, most people want to regain their personal independence as quickly as possible. Tasks such as dressing, bathing and toileting are just a few examples of activities most people prefer to perform on their own.

Plan Ahead

For planned procedures, such as hip or knee replacement, order self-help aids in advance. Talk to your doctor or occupational or physical therapist to get a realistic idea of your recovery process and the types of activities you will need assistance with. This will give you time to shop around and get the items you will need for your return home.

We have identified some common products that can address the post-operative needs of two of the most common areas affected by surgery - the hip and the upper body.

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After Hip Surgery

After hip surgery, most patients are told not to bend forward in a chair or cross their legs at the knee or ankle for a certain period of time.

Tip: Reduce Bending

Our Hip Kit provides some basic aids people can use to bathe and get dressed without violating doctor's orders.

The Hip Kit includes:

• Reacher - Extends your reach to the floor. Look for a reacher with a grip that is flexible enough to pick up objects of varying weights and sizes, from a piece of paper, to a book or a dime.

• Sock Aid - Stretch the sock open where you can comfortably reach. Long handles allow you to drop the sock to the floor and then pull the sock on. We recommend a product with a soft terry cloth on the outside that grips the sock, while smooth nylon on the inside reduces friction so your foot can slip in easily.

• Sponge on a Stick - Allows you to wash your legs and feet more easily. It can also be used for household cleaning - reaching into the tub, behind the toilet, wherever you need a few more inches.

• 24" Dressing Stick with shoe horn - Helps you put on your shoes or reach items on the floor. The smooth surface of the "S" hook won't poke holes in your sweater and it is strong enough to help you pull up slacks or undergarments.

Tip: Sitting and Standing Tasks

For additional assistance, we recommend the following self-help aids:

Toileting

• Toilet Safety Frame - Serves as a guide for sitting and as a push-off point for rising. For added stability, look for a model that is secured to the toilet with bolts.

• The Toilevator is a spacer that goes beneath your toilet and raises the seat 3" so you don't have to rise as far. The Toilevator is less likely to move, like the surface toilet seats, and it is much less noticeable aesthetically.

Bathing

• Bath Transfer Benches and Bath Chairs - Assist with entry in and out of the bathtub. These come in a variety of styles. Most are made of a contoured plastic or a vinyl covered surface. We recommend a bench seat with a back because it provides more support and comfort.

  Bath lifts and bathtub rails are two additional options.

• Washing In Bed - Can't get up out of bed, your caregiver can wash your hair in bed with the EZ SHAMPOO portable wash basin. Particularly convenient is the No-Rinse Shampoo, as no water is required.

Sitting/Standing

• SuperPole System - Provides a full range of heights to hold onto while sitting or standing up. This tension pole is especially stable because it is secured between the floor and the ceiling. Unlike grab-bar style, wall-mounted support, this kind of support pole can be installed anywhere there is a floor and ceiling, including in the middle of a room, to provide support exactly where it is needed.

• The Uplift Manual Seat Assist or Uplift Power Lift Seat are also options. These lifting cushions add two inches to the height of the chair when you are seated. For the manual version, simply shift your weight forward and push off gently with your arms and/or legs. The Power Lift Seat is controlled by a hand control. Both lift seats will help to gently raise you up to an almost standing position.

• Lift Chair Recliner - Tilts up and forward to make sitting and standing almost effortless. Recovery requires a lot of rest. These plush, oversized recliner chairs operate with push-button control so you don t have to struggle to rise after watching TV or reading.

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After Upper Body Surgery

Surgeries involving the upper body, such as shoulder, chest or breast surgery, can reduce strength and range of motion. Some customers have told us how painful it can be to simply lift their arm to wash their hair, but that doesn't deter them from wanting to do these grooming tasks on their own. With some basic tools, you can ease the task.

Tip: Grooming

• Long Handled Hair Washer - Massages hair clean with latex-free nodules. Long handle helps to reach the entire scalp during shampooing.

• Long Curved Comb and Long Curved Brush - Features anti-slip handles that lie against your palm and a contoured design that helps to reach the entire head.

Tip: Reduce reaching

In addition, people recovering from upper body surgery may find these products useful:

• Reacher (see description above).

• Voice Activated Light Switch - Responds to your own voice by turning a lamp or radio on or off.

• Sponge on a Stick - (see description above).

• Long Handled Lotion Applicator - Helps you to apply cream to your legs or back without extending your reach.

• Dressing Stick with a small hook - Aids in maneuvering clothing while getting dressed or undressed. This plastic-coated, combination hook/pusher pulls up slacks or skirts and pushes off socks or jackets. The small hook on the end aids in pulling zippers or shoelace loops.

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Be Patient

While recuperating from surgery, it's important to be patient with your limitations. Attempting too much, too quickly, may cause additional injury and prolong the recovery process. So get the rest you need and use aids to prevent re-injury.

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© Copyright 2000 Dynamic Living, Inc.
Dynamic Living Newsletter may only be redistributed in its unedited form. Written permission from the editor must be obtained to reprint or cite the information contained within this newsletter.

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