Hospital discharge is fast — sometimes same-day for shoulder/knee, day 1-2 for hip and abdominal. There’s no time to do home modifications after they’re home in pain. The 8 things to install BEFORE the surgery date: raised toilet seat, grab bars (toilet + shower), shower bench, handheld shower head, recliner setup, walker pathways cleared, throw rugs removed, and a “command center” by the recliner with everything in reach.
The 30-minute pre-surgery walk-through
Two weeks before surgery, do this with your patient:
- Walk from the front door to where they’ll sleep. Note narrow spots (walker is 26-32 inches wide).
- From sleeping spot to bathroom. Note steps. Note rugs. Note doorways.
- From bathroom to kitchen. Note transitions, slippery surfaces.
- From kitchen to where they’ll spend the day (recliner, couch, etc.).
Anywhere on this path that has an obstacle, a step, a tight turn, or a fall risk — that’s a problem to fix this week.
Bathroom modifications (in order of importance)
1. Raised toilet seat
For hip replacement: required. For knee/shoulder: very helpful. For mastectomy: not needed. $30-80, often insurance-covered with a script.
2. Grab bars
Toilet area: vertical or angled grab bar mounted into a stud OR with a heavy-duty toggle bolt. Shower: vertical grab bar inside the shower stall. Both rated for 250+ lbs.
NOT suction-cup grab bars. Those slip; they’re for towel hanging not body weight.
Hire a handyman if you’re not confident in installation. Or use a 3-in-1 commode that has its own arms (no installation needed).
3. Shower bench / chair
For hip, knee, shoulder, mastectomy — yes. Seat with back support is best. Transfer benches work for tubs.
4. Handheld shower head
Replaces or adapts your existing shower head. $20-40 at any hardware store. Allows seated bathing.
Bedroom / living room setup
5. The recliner setup
For shoulder, mastectomy: essential — sleeping flat is impossible.
For hip, knee: helpful — easier to push up from than a couch.
Place near the bathroom. Include a side table with: water bottle, snack, phone charger, glasses, remote, ice machine remote, pain meds (locked if necessary).
6. Walker pathway cleared
Bedroom-to-bathroom and bedroom-to-kitchen paths cleared to 36 inches wide. Move furniture, remove decorative items.
7. Throw rugs removed
Every throw rug is a fall hazard. Roll them up; put them in a closet for 6 weeks.
8. Night lights
The path from bedroom to bathroom needs lighting at night. Plug-in night lights every 6-8 feet. Or motion-activated lights.
Optional but commonly helpful
What insurance often covers
With a doctor’s prescription, Medicare and most commercial insurance cover:
- Walker / cane / crutches
- Raised toilet seat / commode
- Shower bench (sometimes)
- Hospital bed (rare; usually only after major surgery or stroke)
Often NOT covered: grab bars (considered home modification, not medical equipment). But hardware store + a Saturday afternoon = $50-100.
Frequently Asked Questions
From the Inspired Comforts collection.
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Sources
- National Institute on Aging — nia.nih.gov
- American Occupational Therapy Association — Home Modification Resources
