When a loved one comes home after hip or knee replacement surgery, the first few weeks can feel stressful.

You want them to heal well, avoid falls, and stay comfortable, but it is not always clear what you need to set up at home.

With a little planning, you can turn your home into a safe, supportive recovery space.

This guide walks you through what families should prepare before surgery and what to expect once your loved one comes back home.

Understand the recovery plan before discharge.

Before surgery, try to attend pre-op appointments or education classes if the hospital offers them.

Ask the care team about:

• How long will your loved one stay in the hospital
• Weight-bearing limits and movement restrictions
• When they can start walking with a walker or a cane
• Which exercises must they do at home
• Warning signs of infection or blood clots

Knowing the plan early helps you organize the home, equipment, and schedule before they even leave the hospital.

Setting up a safe recovery space at home

Most patients spend a lot of time resting and sleeping in the first few weeks.

The bed and bedroom layout matter more than people realize. The bed should be at a height where they can sit with their feet flat on the floor and stand up without sinking too low.

Many families look for a hospital bed for sale so they can adjust the height and keep transfers safer for both the patient and the caregiver.

Keep a clear path from the bed to the bathroom or commode.

Remove loose rugs, wires, and small furniture that can catch on a walker.

Why an adjustable bed can make recovery easier

After knee surgery, getting in and out of bed can be one of the hardest things to do.

A fixed, low, or very soft mattress makes it harder to push up or shift positions.

An adjustable hospital bed for sale allows you to raise the head of the bed so your loved one can sit up more easily, and lower or raise the overall height to match their mobility level. It can also help position the operated leg more comfortably while respecting the surgeon’s instructions.

This type of bed reduces strain on the recovering joint and on family members who are helping with transfers.

Organizing the “recovery station.”

It helps to create a small “recovery station” near the bed.

This keeps everything within easy reach and reduces unnecessary walking, especially in the first week.

On a bedside table or over-bed table, keep:

• Pain medications and a simple schedule
• Water bottle and light snacks
• Phone, charger, and TV remote
• Tissues, lip balm, and hand sanitizer
• Ice packs or a cold therapy device, if prescribed

If you are using a hospital bed for sale, an over-bed table can slide over the frame and let them eat, read, and do exercises without too much movement.

Bathroom and toileting safety

The bathroom can be one of the most dangerous areas during recovery.

Wet floors, slick tiles, and low toilets all increase fall risk, especially with a fresh hip or knee.

Consider adding:

• A raised toilet seat or toilet safety frame
• Grab bars near the toilet and inside the shower
• Non-slip mats inside and outside the tub or shower
• A shower chair and a hand-held shower head

Even with a good bedroom setup, your loved one will need to get to the bathroom safely. The safer these transfers are, the lower the risk of setbacks.

Managing pain and swelling at home

Good pain control is essential in the early stages.

If pain is too high, your loved one may resist walking or doing exercises, which slows recovery.

Work with the doctor or physiotherapist to understand:

• When to take pain meds (often on a schedule, not just “as needed”)
• How to use ice or cold packs safely
• When to elevate the leg and for how long
• Which movements are allowed and which are not

An adjustable hospital bed for sale can help you gently change positions without putting too much pressure on the new joint, which may reduce discomfort between exercises.

Helping with mobility and daily activities

Most patients will use a walker at first.

Practice the route from bed to bathroom, living room, and kitchen. Keep those pathways clear, well-lit, and free of clutter.

You may also need:

• A sturdy chair with arms and a firm seat cushion
• A Reacher or grabber tool for picking things up from the floor
• Long-handled shoe horn and sock aid
• Clothing that is easy to put on and take off

If getting out of a very low couch or soft bed is difficult, this may be another reason families consider a hospital bed for sale during the healing period.

Planning your schedule as a caregiver

In the first days and weeks, your loved one may not be safe alone.

They may need help with getting up, bathing, dressing, and preparing meals. Try to plan a rotation of family, friends, or paid caregivers if possible.

Caregivers often underestimate how physically demanding this can be.

Transfers, repositioning, and helping with walking add up quickly. Using supportive equipment, such as an adjustable hospital bed for sale, can reduce the strain on your back and joints and make it easier to provide care over many weeks.

Watching for warning signs

Even with a good setup, things can go wrong.

Call a doctor or seek urgent care if you notice:

• Sudden increase in pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg
• Fever or chills
• Redness, drainage, or foul odor at the incision site
• Shortness of breath or chest pain
• Confusion or sudden change in behavior

Early action can stop a minor problem from becoming a major complication.

Emotional support and encouragement

Recovery is not just physical.

Your loved one may feel frustrated, bored, or discouraged when progress feels slow. They might be afraid of falling or worried about being a “burden” on the family.

Simple things help:

• Celebrate small wins, like walking a few extra steps
• Keep a visible chart of exercises and progress
• Encourage visits or calls from friends and relatives
• Give them privacy and dignity wherever possible

A well-planned home setup, with safe pathways and appropriate equipment such as a hospital bed for sale, shows them they are valued and supported.

Preparing today for a safer tomorrow

Recovering from a hip or knee replacement at home is a big transition, but it does not have to be chaotic.

By planning ahead, organizing the home, and choosing the right equipment, you can protect your loved one’s new joint and make daily life safer for everyone involved.

Talk to the hospital team, ask about home requirements, and decide whether tools like an adjustable hospital bed for sale belong in your recovery plan.

A little preparation now can make the weeks after surgery smoother, safer, and more comfortable for the whole family.