** You can click on each picture to see a full description of each item**
Shower Bench
I initially purchased this shower bench, which was great to use pre-operatively. It fit nicely in my tub and had an excellent grip.
However, after my surgery, I had difficulty with maintaining my precautions of non-weight bearing and no hip flexion greater than 70 degrees. Thus, I purchased this one. I loved it because I could sit on the bench outside of tub and then scoot myself into the shower. I was able to bathe independently with this one. I especially liked this particular model because it had indentations, which provided a space for soap, shampoo, etc. I highly recommend this shower bench!
Handle grab bar
When I no longer needed the shower bench, I was a bit afraid of slipping when getting into and out of the shower. I purchased the following handle grab bar. I was able to safely get in and out of the shower without apprehension. I mounted mine vertically near the height of my shoulders.
Toilet Riser / Bedside Commode
Purchasing the correct toilet seat for post-operative use is very important. There are several components of the toilet seat that are critical for both comfort and adherence to hip precautions. First, the toilet seat should have armrests in order for the patient to sit and stand safely. Next, it is important for the toilet seat to be adjustable in height. The height should be adjusted so that hip precautions are not broken. Finally, it should have a removable bucket, so that it can be used directly over your own toilet. The patient initially may have to utilize the toilet as a bedside commode.
Although, the below toilet is not the exact model that I used, it is very similar and has all of the necessary components that were mentioned above.
Wedge
Once I stopped taking the pain medication (which greatly assisted in my ability to fall asleep), I realized that I could not find a comfortable sleeping position. A co-worker gave me a wedge cushion similar to the one below. This little cushion allowed me to have many nights of comfortable, uninterrupted sleep!
Hip Kit
Your physician may recommend that you purchase a "hip kit." A hip kit contains various items that will assist with activities of daily living, such as independently putting on a sock and shoe, bathing, reaching for items, etc. Oftentimes it is difficult to perform these activities without breaking hip precautions. Thus, various items were altered to avoid breaking precautions. For example, a longer shoe horn was developed to prevent excessive hip flexion while putting on a shoe.
I believe that the key to getting a good hip kit is getting all of the necessary components: (1) reacher, (2) long handled bath sponge, (3) strap that assists with lifting the leg, (4) shoe horn, (5) sock aid, and (6) elastic shoe laces.
In my opinion, the hip kit shown below is a great value!
