Hip, Knee and Shoulder Replacement: Home Equipment Checklist
The best time to set up your home for recovery is before your surgery. Having the right equipment ready means a safer first week home and fewer last-minute scrambles. Here's what most people need after a joint replacement. Always follow your surgeon's and therapist's specific instructions.
After hip replacement
Many hip patients have precautions like not bending past 90 degrees, so the goal is to avoid low seats and deep bending.
- Two-wheeled walker: usually for the first few weeks.
- Raised toilet seat or toilet safety frame: keeps you from sitting too low.
- Shower chair or tub transfer bench: for safe bathing.
- Hip kit: reacher, sock aid, long-handled shoe horn and sponge, so you can dress without bending.
- Lift chair or firm, high chair: a lift chair helps if standing up is hard.
- Cold therapy: to manage swelling, if your surgeon recommends it.
After knee replacement
- Two-wheeled walker, then often a cane.
- Cold therapy unit: continuous cold helps with pain and swelling.
- Raised toilet seat and shower chair.
- Knee brace, if prescribed.
- CPM machine (continuous passive motion), if your surgeon orders one. Usually rented for a few weeks.
- Wheelchair with elevating leg rest for longer outings in the first weeks. Renting works well.
After shoulder replacement
- Shoulder immobilizer sling: usually worn for several weeks.
- Lift chair or recliner: many people find it easier to sleep semi-upright for the first weeks.
- Cold therapy for swelling.
- Handheld shower head and shower chair for one-handed bathing.
- Reacher so you don't reach overhead with the surgical arm.
For everyone
- Clear paths: remove rugs and cords, and add night lights.
- Grab bars by the toilet and in the shower.
- Bedside commode if the bathroom is far from the bedroom or upstairs.
- Hospital bed if you can't safely get into your own bed, or if stairs are an issue. Renting one is common.
What insurance usually covers
| Item | Typical coverage |
|---|---|
| Walker, cane, wheelchair, commode, hospital bed | Commonly covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most plans with a prescription |
| Raised toilet seat, shower chair, grab bars, hip kit | Often not covered by Medicare; low-cost private purchase |
| Cold therapy, CPM, braces | Varies by plan; workers' comp often covers them |
We check your coverage and tell you what you'll pay before delivery. Read more in Bathroom Safety Equipment.
Frequently asked questions
When should I order my equipment?
About 1 to 2 weeks before surgery, so it's set up before you get home. Insurance items need your prescription, which the surgeon's office can send us.
Can you deliver to the hospital before I'm discharged?
We can deliver to your home before you arrive, or coordinate with the hospital's case manager on your discharge day.
Should I rent or buy?
Short-term items like wheelchairs, lift chairs and hospital beds are often better rented. Small items like a raised toilet seat or reacher are usually inexpensive to buy.
Is the equipment different for workers' comp surgeries?
The equipment is the same, but the carrier must authorize it. We work with the adjuster and bill the carrier directly.
Get ready for surgery
Call 954-332-4378 or send your prescription online. See also Coming Home From the Hospital.
This article is general information, not medical advice. Your surgeon and therapist will tell you exactly which precautions and equipment you need.
