Hip, Knee, Back Surgery Recovery Kit

Adaptive equipment and Assistive Aids Carefully Selected by an Occupational Therapist to Maximize Function, Safety and Independence

Hip/Knee/Back Surgery Recovery Kit- How to Use (Instructional Video)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LZznjaUdK-w

Whether you're managing a chronic condition, struggling with an injury, or feel overwhelmed after undergoing surgery and do not know what equipment you need to make your every day life easier, good news. We've done all the investigative work for you, creating the best-valued combo pack of all assistive devices you'll need in your day-to-day to be more independent and not rely on others for help. 

• The kit includes:

  • Reacher/grabber (32 inches long, 4 inch jaw width when open) to assist in grabbing indoor/outdoor objects up to 5 lbs in weight that are out of reach. Also assists in threading legs and feet in and out of lower body clothing without bending or reaching down.

  • Dressing stick (27 inches long) to pull/push pants, belt loops, socks, shoes, zippers and shoelaces with minimal bending, reaching or twisting. Can also drape jackets on/off shoulders.

  • Sock aid (5 inch trough opening, 33 inch rope cord length) used to slide socks, compression stockings or other hosiery onto feet, eliminating need to bend down or cross legs during task.

  • Long handle shoe horn (21.5 inches long, 2 inch wide edge for insertion into shoe) used to slip and secure feet into shoes, heels or boots without heel of shoe collapsing or caving in

  • Leg lifter (40 inches long, 6 inch wide adjustable foot loop) to aid you in moving and/or repositioning weak, operated or casted legs over various surfaces (i.e. bed, wheelchair, car, bathtub).

  • Long handle sponge (22 inches long, 3 inch wide sponge) featuring hourglass shape sponge on long handle to wash your back, legs, feet, underarms and other hard to access areas without reaching or bending down.

  • BONUS non-skid, anti-slip socks, one size fits most with rubber grips on bottom for improved traction with floor to prevent falls when standing or walking.

  • BONUS storage bag with shoulder strap and drawstring closure for easy transportation of items

  • BONUS safety precautions handout written by Occupational Therapist to avoid stressing new hip or knee joint after surgery. Please consult with physician prior to following these precautions and only follow if cleared by your physician.

• The adaptive equipment in this kit was carefully selected by a licensed and registered occupational therapist with years of experience rehabilitating seniors to improve their independence, safety, and overall mobility.

• A non-complicated and very user-friendly instruction manual is included in this kit, written by an Occupational Therapist, with easy-to follow steps and illustrations to ensure no problems when using the equipment and that you are using the equipment effectively.

• A safety precautions book is also provided in the kit with recommendations from an Occupational Therapist on what to do and what to avoid after having hip/knee/back surgery to ensure proper healing. Education provided on appropriate body mechanics to maintain after surgery with visuals/pictures provided. Be sure to consult with your health care provider on these precautions. 

• These essential assistive aids increase your participation in daily-care, decreasing your need to rely on others to do important tasks such as bathing or getting dressed. These tools also help conserve energy as they allow you to compensate for and overcome the physical limitations you may have that hinder participation in meaningful daily life activities, such as dressing and bathing.

• Ideal for those recovering from hip/knee replacement, back or shoulder surgery, those with limited range of motion/mobility, pain, amputation, arthritis, problems with muscle strength, low back pain or hand dexterity.

• Non-skid, anti-ski crew style socks are included in kit, made of terry cloth material, featuring a solid neutral gray color with white silicone grips on the bottom for traction with the floor to decrease the risk of slips/falls when standing or walking, providing maximum safety and comfort (universally sized).

• All the contents mentioned above will come in a blue nylon polyester storage bag. This bag fits ALL of the items in the kit for easy storage, organization, transportation and portability. It can also be used for your personal items at home, such as a yoga mat. 

FAQs:

1) Who is the best candidate for the kit?

-Individuals recovering from a hip, knee, back or shoulder surgery

-Individuals with physical injuries limiting their range of motion

-Individuals with poor muscle strength in their upper or lower extremities

-Individuals with amputation of upper or lower extremities

-Individuals with arthritis and pain upon movement

-Individuals with poor endurance who need to conserve energy during dressing or bathing tasks

2) What is each tool made of?

-Reacher: Brushed aluminum frame with ergonomically designed trigger handle + flexible yet durable, non-slip silicone cup tips for secure grip on items or clothing.

-Dressing stick: Birch wood stick with two ends. One end has a “S” hook with a vinyl coating (will protect fabric and skin). Other end has a metal “C” hook.

-Sock aid: Molded yet flexible and smooth plastic trough with 2 foam built-up grip handles attached to two rope cords.

-Long handle shoe horn: Made of durable plastic with curved handle for easier grip when handling.

-Leg lifter: Polyester webbing over a rigid but adjustable metal rod to accommodate any foot, shoe or cast. While the width of the foot loop is adjustable, the actual length of the leg lifter is not adjustable.

-Long handle sponge: Long plastic handle with non-irritating polyfoam sponge that is soft on skin and can be used with body wash, shower gel or shampoo.

-Non-skid socks: Soft terry cloth for ultimate comfort and warmth.

-Storage bag: High quality nylon polyester bag with over the shoulder strap with drawstring closure

3) How do I care for the equipment in the kit?

-Reacher: Wipe with damp cloth and mild detergent or disinfectant. Dry with lint-free cloth.

-Sock aid: Wipe with damp cloth.

-Long handled shoe horn: Wipe with damp cloth and mild detergent. Dry with lint-free cloth.

-Long handled sponge: Shake out and hang your sponge to dry in well-ventilated area after each use to prevent bacterial growth. To maintain quality of sponge, soak sponge with diluted bleach and rinse thoroughly on weekly basis. The sponge should be replaced when signs of wear are visible.

-Non-skid socks: Machine washable and reusable.

-Storage bag: Can be hand-washed in basin of warm water with laundry detergent or machine-washed with warm water.