The patient/caregiver was educated on measures to promote safety and reduce the workload during immediate post-surgical phase as follows:
- 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.
- During the immediate phase of knee replacement, it can be difficult for the individual to bend down and reach the legs and lower portions of the body in the shower. Doing so, can contribute to compromised balance, resulting in a fall. Seek caregiver assistance, as needed, especially for cleaning portions of the body difficult to reach. Use of a long-handled bath sponge can help clean the legs, lower body, and other parts difficult to reach, thus avoiding the stress of bending down and fall risk.
- Use of a handheld water hose can help avoid the stress of turning your back inside the shower to the stream of water. Handheld water hose can help easy rinsing of back and other difficult to reach areas of the body, while seated on the shower bench. Having an extension to the water hose, as needed, can add more comfort.
- Using sock aid can help put the sock on and prevent bending down to put it on. Pull the sock onto the sock aid until the toe end, with the heel on the bottom and have the foot in. Using the strings attached to the sock aid, pull the sock aid out, which leaves the sock on your foot. Using shoes without laces can help save effort in tying the lace.
