The patient/caregiver was educated on measures to promote safety and reduce the workload during immediate post-surgical phase as follows:
- During the immediate post-surgical phase, individuals must consider using raised toilet seat to help promote comfort and reduce the effort of sitting and lifting up from toilet. When using a raised toilet seat, make sure the seat is locked to the toilet, to prevent tipping of the seat.
- Having an elevated toilet seat with armrests can offer better support during sitting on toilet and getting up from toilet. The armrests enable transfer of weight on to them, which contributes to reduced stress on the aching weightbearing joints of lower extremities. This helps with improved safety and fall prevention.
- During the immediate phase of knee replacement, it can be difficult for the individual to enter the regular shower, by safely lifting the affected leg and bending the knee. Having a walk-in shower can help avoid this stress on the tender joints. Individuals can choose to have a shower chair, so that, they can be seated while taking shower and avoid the stress of weightbearing on the involved knee. Make sure the shower chair has armrests, which offer better support to hold on to while sitting and getting out of the chair. Make sure the seat of the chair is a little high up, which makes the task easier.
- Have handrails installed inside the shower and by the side of toilet for additional support, as needed. Make sure the handrails are securely installed, which can also contribute to fall prevention.
