The patient/caregiver was educated on fall precautions during immediate post-knee replacement as follows:
- 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.
- Individuals with the facility of only a bathtub can have a tub transfer bench installed in the bathtub. A tub transfer bench extends over the bathtub, with part of the bench outside and part of the bench inside the bathtub. While entering the bathtub, individuals can walk up to the edge of transfer bench outside the bathtub, leave their assistive device there, sit on the bench, slightly turn towards to edge of the bathtub, slowly raise the legs one after the other over the edge of the bathtub to bring them into the bathtub, slide over the bench to enter the bathtub, and remain seated on the bench inside the bathtub during the shower. While getting out of the bathtub, individuals can remain seated on the bench inside the bathtub, slightly turn towards to edge of the bathtub, slowly raise the legs one after the other over the edge of the bathtub to bring them out of the bathtub and slide over the bench to get out of the bathtub. Make sure you have your assistive device located close to the tub transfer bench for an easy transition.
- 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.
