Home Safety and Preparation Checklist

If it is helpful for you, use the Home Preparation Checklist below as a way to keep track of the preparations that you want to do prior to your surgery.

• Arrange kitchen, bedroom, and bathroom supplies so they can be reached with limited bending and reaching. Do not use step stools.
• Arrange for meal preparation or freeze meals ahead of time.
• Remove throw rugs from around the house and tack down larger loose carpets.
• Arrange furniture in your home so that you can walk easily.
• Provide good lighting throughout your house. Change any burned-out lights. Install night-lights in the bathroom, hallways, and bedroom.
• Arrange assistance for young children or anyone you may be caring for in your home.
• Make arrangements for care and safety of your pets, boarding them if necessary.
• Make sure all pathways throughout your home are free and clear of clutter and tripping hazards. Keep lamp cords, telephone cords, and oxygen tubing out of your pathway.
• Identify chairs with back support and armrests that will be appropriate following surgery.
• Place a non-skid mat on the shower floor to prevent falls.
• Do not use towel bars or toilet paper holders as grab bars, as they may pull out of the wall easily.
• Check your porch rails to ensure they are sturdy.
• Keep a phone with you at all times.
• Ensure that your glasses are up to date and you can see clearly.
• Arrange for transportation as needed.
• Arrange for assistance with home chores such as cleaning, laundry, or changing bed sheets as needed.

To learn more or register, please call the Joint Academy Navigator at 682-242-0462.