If you are about to undergo first-time knee surgery, you may find yourself with limited mobility during the recovery process. While post-operative rehabilitation may help restore your mobility, recovery takes time. As you recuperate and regain your strength and mobility, you may find you need help managing everyday tasks at home. To minimize the challenge, you may find the following post-surgery recovery aids (easily found at medical supply stores) to be helpful:
1. Transport Wheelchair
A transport wheelchair is similar in concept to a standard wheelchair with a major exception. Unlike wheelchairs that are equipped with two large rear wheels and two small front wheels, the transport chair is equipped with four small wheels. The transport chair must be pushed by a companion, unlike a wheelchair which can be self-propelled. It is a lightweight mobility chair, easy to store and travel with, and it's intended to transport an individual during short trips.
During your knee surgery recovery, you may find it easier to use a transport chair than crutches, a walker, or a cane. If you have a companion or caretaker available to push you, you might find a lightweight, folding transport chair is helpful for making short trips to the doctor's office or bank. Transport chairs are available with various seat widths to accommodate individual body size.
2. Quad Cane or Walker
The quad cane features four rubber-capped feet, secured to a metal base at the bottom of the cane. This offers more stability than a standard cane or walking stick, especially for patients recovering from knee surgery. Choose a model with adjustable height and shock-absorbing handle.
A walker or wheeled rollator offer even more support and are especially helpful for seniors with poor balance. These may be used indoor and outdoor, over most smooth surfaces.
3. Bed Railing or Bed Assist Handle
You may find getting out of bed to be somewhat of a challenge after your knee surgery. To help alleviate the strain, consider installing a bed assist handle on the side of your bed. This will offer support and a railing to grab onto as you balance yourself and stand up when exiting the bed. Choose one with adjustable height to accommodate you. Alternatively, you might want to install a floor-to-ceiling grab pole alongside the bed. This safety rail will install from the ceiling to the floor, offering you stability and support when you get out of bed or out of your favorite recliner.
4. Bathtub Transfer Bench or Shower Chair
After knee surgery, you may find bathing or showering to be a challenge. A bathtub transfer bench or shower chair can be a great help, as it allows you to sit while bathing or showering. It can be used with a handheld shower massage. The feet will be equipped with non-slip suction cups, and you may purchase a chair or bench with or without a back support.
5. Toilet Seat Riser
During your knee surgery recovery, the commode may be too low to easily sit or rise safely. A toilet seat riser is offered at most medical supply companies, and many feature handle rails to safely pull yourself up from the toilet seat. You may appreciate the additional height it offers during the recovery process.
6. Automobile Assist Grab Bar Handle
This aid is very helpful in providing leverage and support while getting in and out of the car. The vehicle support handle installs easily in most autos. You can install the device on the driver or passenger side of the door. You simply attach it to the door striker latch on the inside of the car door.
7. Easy Grasp Reacher
You may have seen these helpful household gadgets on the television infomercials. A grab reacher has a telescoping extension pole that enables you to pick up items without having to bend at the knee. The grabber piece has pinching "claws" that can grasp keys, remote controls, socks, or any item that has fallen or is out of reach. For portability, choose a folding model that you can take with you.
