Occupational therapy

Practical support to empower people to facilitate recovery and overcome barriers preventing them from doing the activities that matter to them

Dressing

• You should take care when bending forward/ or lifting your leg to assist with washing and dressing. You might find it beneficial to complete personal care tasks in sitting.
• You will be provided with dressing aids (pick up and reach aid and/or sock aid) to increase independence with lower body personal care and dressing by the occupational therapist.
• You may find it beneficial to dress the operated leg first and undress it last using the dressing aids to reduce the stress of bending in the early stages of recovery. 
• Long handled shoe horns are not provided by the occupational therapist however they can be privately purchased to assist with putting on/taking off shoes and also assist with the removal of socks.
• If you have any concerns with the use of dressing aids, please discuss with your occupational therapist.

Showering/bathing

• We recommend caution with the bath or the shower over the bath in the first 6 weeks after surgery due to the risk of slipping/falling and due to the positioning of your new hip.
• Step in/level access showers can be used at your discretion – you should ensure that you feel confident with standing in the shower unaided if no rails/shower seat are available to use. A shower seat and non-slip mat could make showering easier and safer for you after total hip replacement.You might find it easier to sit at the sink

• Remember to exert caution when bending to wash & dry your feet. Long handled sponges can be privately purchased to assist with this.
• For long term showering/bathing issues, you can contact the Community Occupational Therapist and make a self-referral (i.e via your GP).

Sitting

• It is important that you source a suitable chair for use after discharge. This chair should be firm and a good height so it allows your hips to stay higher than your knees. Ideally the chair would have arm rests to assist with the transfer on/off it.
• A firm cushion or pillow could be applied to chairs to raise the height to assist with sit to stand transfers.
• An Occupational therapist will measure your popliteal height and provide you with a recommended chair height.

Toilet

Generally toilet heights can be low and therefore it is advised you exert caution when sitting on a low toilet after your hip replacement. Keep toilet paper at easy reach to avoid the need to bend or twist to reach it.

If you feel the height of your toilet is unsuitable, an Occupational Therapist can provide a toilet seat & frame to raise the toilet in keeping with the joint protection advice.

Sleeping

• Ideally your bed should be a good height for seated position and your hips should be higher from your knees. When in bed, you may find it beneficial to sleep on your back with a pillow in between your legs to reduce the risk of crossing your legs in your sleep.
• You can use your crutch along your inner thigh to lift your operated leg into bed for the first few days to assist with transfer in/out bed if required.
• If you have any issues with bed transfers an occupational therapist can assess and provide advice and equipment if required.

Driving

Housekeeping

• Stock up the freezer with precooked meals or microwaveable meals to reduce the need for support with meals on discharge.
• Please remember that when you are using walking aids, you are unable to carry items from the kitchen to other areas. Therefore, try to eat in the kitchen if you are able to.
• Be careful with heavy household tasks such as hoovering and activities that involve bending/twisting such as using washing machine.
• Ask family & friends for help with shopping, cleaning and other activities which you may find difficult, initially following this surgery.

• Long handled shoe horns are not provided by the occupational therapist however they can be privately purchased to assist with putting on/taking off shoes and also assist with the removal of socks.
• If you have any concerns with the use of dressing aids, please discuss with your occupational therapist.